Verizon has agreed to acquire Frontier for approximately $9.6 billion, including the assumption of $10 billion in Frontier debt. Federal Communications Commission Chair Brendan Carr stated that approving this deal ensures Americans will benefit from a series of positive outcomes. The transaction is expected to drive billions of dollars into new infrastructure projects nationwide. In February, Carr initiated an investigation into Verizon regarding its promotion of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) programs, which could influence the Frontier acquisition. Verizon responded by committing to remove its “Diversity and Inclusion” website and eliminate references to DEI from employee training. The company also pledged to adjust hiring, career development, supplier diversity, and corporate sponsorship practices, with these changes extending to Frontier. The FCC noted that Verizon will enhance and expand Frontier’s existing network across 25 states, increasing fiber connectivity to more communities. Verizon anticipates deploying fiber to 1 million or more American homes annually through this deal. Additionally, Verizon will no longer maintain workforce diversity goals or include such objectives in its management compensation plan. Verizon Chief Legal Officer Vandana Venkatesh remarked that the company acknowledges some DEI policies might be linked to discrimination. This decision comes after an executive order issued by Trump in January aimed at dismantling DEI programs in the U.S. Democratic FCC Commissioner Anna Gomez criticized Verizon for yielding to administrative pressures on employment practices.
— new from Reuters
