The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) has approved Verizon’s $20 billion deal for Frontier, following the telecom giant’s decision to drop its Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) policies. The move comes after FCC Chairman Brendan Carr criticized the company’s policies as “invidious forms of discrimination” that violate federal law.
Verizon agreed to end its DEI policies in a filing with the commission, which includes changes to leadership structure, training, corporate sponsorships, and hiring practices. The FCC has accepted Verizon’s commitment, stating it will prevent DEI discrimination in the post-transaction company. This shift is seen as a significant step forward for equal opportunity and nondiscrimination.
The approval of this merger marks another major telecom deal to receive FCC clearance, with Charter seeking permission to buy Cox pending similar concessions from the cable giant.
Source: https://arstechnica.com/tech-policy/2025/05/fcc-chair-brendan-carr-is-letting-isps-merge-as-long-as-they-end-dei-programs