> ## Content Index
> Fetch the complete content index at: https://broadbandbreakfast.com/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover other available public pages before exploring further.

# FCC Approves SoftBank’s Acquisition of Regional ISP WideOpenWest!
- URL: https://broadbandbreakfast.com/fcc-approves-softbanks-acquisition-of-regional-isp-wideopenwest/
- Published: 2026-07-28T17:08:01.000Z
- Updated: 2026-10-19T21:53:38.000Z
- Description: The ISP is likely set to become the first U.S. broadband provider with majority Japanese ownership.
- Author: Abby Larkin
- Tags: Briefs, WOW!, softbank, Masayoshi Son, FCC, Team Telecom, DigitalBridge, #with-siderail

WASHINGTON, July 28, 2026 – WideOpenWest is on track to become one of the first U.S. broadband providers with majority Japanese ownership.

On [July 27](https://docs.fcc.gov/public/attachments/DA-26-778A1.pdf?ref=broadbandbreakfast.com), the Federal Communications Commission’s Wireline Competition Bureau approved the transfer of regional internet provider WOW! to Japanese investment firm SoftBank Group Corp.

[![CTA Image](https://storage.ghost.io/c/29/97/29976d9d-89ea-4c77-8c0b-0e8a0eafed35/content/images/2026/07/150-gilbert-flag-and-date-jpg.jpg)](https://broadbandbreakfast.com/telecom150) 

[***Learn about the 3-Part Preview of America250 / Telecom150, a Broadband Breakfast conference on October 1, 2026**](https://broadbandbreakfast.com/telecom150-2/)

[America250 / Telecom150 ](https://broadbandbreakfast.com/telecom150) 

[![CTA Image](https://storage.ghost.io/c/29/97/29976d9d-89ea-4c77-8c0b-0e8a0eafed35/content/images/2026/07/ai_and_congress_event_graphic_v4-jpg-4.jpg)](https://broadbandbreakfast.com/broadband-and-ai/) 

[***Learn about "Broadband and AI in the Next Congress" at the National Press Club on December 1, 2026**](https://broadbandbreakfast.com/broadband-and-ai/)

[Broadband & AI in the Next Congress ](https://broadbandbreakfast.com/broadband-and-ai/) 

The Japanese investment firm filed an application with the FCC back [in February](https://broadbandbreakfast.com/japans-softbank-getting-closer-to-owing-u-s-isp-wideopenwest/), seeking transaction approval. In June, the FCC responded, saying it had accepted the application for streamlined processing because the deal did not pose any risks to U.S. communications infrastructure.

[Earlier this month](https://broadbandbreakfast.com/department-of-justice-passes-on-review-of-softbanks-acquisition-of-wow/), the Department of Justice’s Committee for the Assessment of Foreign Participation in the United States Telecommunications Sector, also known as Team Telecom, passed on reviewing the acquisition of WOW!

[In April](https://broadbandbreakfast.com/japans-softbank-getting-closer-to-owing-u-s-isp-wideopenwest/), DigitalBridge stockholders overwhelmingly voted to approve the company’s $4 billion sale to SoftBank, with 96% of shareholders voting in favor of the deal. DigitalBridge Group purchased WOW! in late December 2025 at a [$1.5 billion enterprise valuation](https://broadbandbreakfast.com/wideopenwest-taken-private-in-1-5-billion-deal/). 

The FCC’s [approval document](https://docs.fcc.gov/public/attachments/DA-26-778A1.pdf?ref=broadbandbreakfast.com) did not mention SoftBank by name, but named Duncan Holdco LLC, a private holding company that is under SoftBank. 

Tokyo-based SoftBank is a $150 billion technology investment firm led by CEO **Masayoshi Son**. In December, the firm announced its plans to invest [$100 billion](https://broadbandbreakfast.com/japans-softbank-plans-to-invest-100-billion-in-u-s-projects/) in U.S. projects during the Trump administration.

WOW! is based in Englewood, Colo., and has about 465,000 customers, deploying fiber to thousands of new locations in central Florida and South Carolina.