The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) has approved Verizon’s acquisition of Frontier Communications in a deal valued at approximately $20 billion. This includes a cash payment of $9.6 billion and the assumption of $10 billion in debt. A key condition for FCC approval was Verizon’s commitment to discontinue certain diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) practices, aligning with broader policy goals.\n\nThe FCC stated that this decision ensures the termination of discriminatory DEI policies while reaffirming Verizon’s commitment to equal opportunity and nondiscrimination. Brendan Carr, FCC chairman, emphasized the benefits of the merger: ‘This transaction will drive billions in new infrastructure investments across the U.S., including rural areas, accelerating the shift from outdated copper networks to modern high-speed ones.’ Verizon plans to enhance and expand Frontier’s network in 25 states, aiming to bring fiber-optic connectivity to over one million American homes annually.\n— new from Engadget
