** Shares of broadband and cable TV provider Charter Communications CHTR.O jump 9.7% to $460.06 premarket
** CHTR will buy privately held rival Cox Communications for $21.9 bln, uniting two of the largest U.S. cable and broadband operators as they battle streaming giants and mobile carriers for customers
** "This combination will augment our ability to innovate and provide high-quality, competitively priced products, delivered with outstanding customer service, to millions of homes and businesses" - Charter CEO Chris Winfrey
** As of last close, stock up ~22% this year
(Reporting by Jaspreet Singh in Bengaluru)
((Jaspreet.Singh@thomsonreuters.com ; https://twitter.com/i_jass))