The U.S. Federal Communications Commission (FCC) has officially approved Verizon Communications’ $20 billion acquisition of fiber-optic internet provider Frontier Communications, following the telecom giant’s agreement to dismantle its diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) programs. The deal, initially announced in September, includes approximately $9.6 billion in cash and the assumption of $10 billion in Frontier’s existing debt.
According to FCC Chair Brendan Carr, this decision marks a significant step in expanding the nation’s broadband infrastructure. “By approving this deal, the FCC ensures that Americans will benefit from a series of good and common-sense wins,” said Carr. He emphasized that the transaction would enable billions of dollars in new infrastructure projects across U.S. communities.
The approval follows an earlier announcement in February when Carr launched an investigation into Verizon’s DEI initiatives. At the time, he stated that the company’s emphasis on DEI could potentially influence the deal’s outcome.
In response, Verizon submitted a letter to the FCC outlining the removal of its “Diversity and Inclusion” website and the elimination of DEI-related language from employee training programs. The company also committed to adjusting hiring practices, career development strategies, supplier diversity efforts, and corporate sponsorship policies to align with the new direction. These provisions will extend to Frontier after the acquisition is finalized.
According to X, Carr confirmed the approval in a public statement via his official account, highlighting the strategic and cultural shifts Verizon agreed to make. He also emphasized Verizon’s commitments to tower and telecom crew improvements as part of the deal’s broader impact.
Verizon has now agreed to end its DEI policies as specified in a new FCC filing.
These changes are effective immediately.
A good step forward for equal opportunity, nondiscrimination, and the public interest. https://t.co/4a0SYgFcr2 pic.twitter.com/yrVdUVrxmV
— Brendan Carr (@BrendanCarrFCC) May 16, 2025
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The FCC said the merger will allow Verizon to enhance Frontier’s network in 25 states, with plans to bring fiber connectivity to over a million American homes annually. Kathy Grillo, Verizon’s senior vice president, stated the company would be “well positioned to provide world-class fiber and wireless broadband services” once the deal concludes in early 2026.
Additionally, Verizon will eliminate all workforce diversity targets and remove DEI-related goals from its management compensation plans. Chief legal officer Vandana Venkatesh acknowledged, “Verizon recognizes that some DEI policies and practices could be associated with discrimination.”
The decision has stirred political reactions. Democratic Senator Ed Markey accused the FCC of “weaponizing its merger authority to control speech,” while FCC Commissioner Anna Gomez criticized the move as a concession to governmental overreach into corporate operations. The broader policy shift follows executive orders issued by former President Donald Trump in January to dismantle DEI frameworks across sectors.
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Disclaimer: This article is based solely on information sourced from official public statements and reliable media reports. No additional interpretation, opinion, or analysis has been added beyond the factual reporting provided by the referenced sources.
