California has pushed back against the Federal Communications Commission's (FCC) efforts to dismantle diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives with a condition attached to the approval of Verizon's $9.6 billion acquisition of Frontier Communications.
As part of the merger agreement, California regulators have insisted that Verizon agree to maintain its low-income internet plans, which include offering home internet for as little as $20 per month. The plan is expected to remain in place for at least a decade.
The deal also includes provisions aimed at improving diversity and inclusion in the telecommunications industry, including requirements for quarterly employee satisfaction surveys, annual transparency reports, and commitments to increase workforce diversity and hiring from underrepresented groups.
Verizon has agreed to pay $40 million to California's Emerging Technology Fund for digital literacy programs and $10 million to California universities for a workforce development program. The company will also establish a recruiting pipeline from California State Universities and community colleges to recruit workers from underrepresented populations.
California regulators have criticized the FCC's approach, arguing that it is attempting to "remake society" by withholding regulatory approvals and coercing companies into abandoning diversity initiatives. The state has taken a more consumer-focused approach, insisting on measures aimed at protecting low-income consumers and promoting diversity in the industry.
As part of the agreement, Verizon will deploy fiber to 75,000 new locations within five years, prioritizing areas with low income levels. The company is also required to deploy 250 new cell sites with 5G and fixed wireless capability in areas eligible for state broadband grants and areas with high fire threats.
The condition attached to the merger approval has been hailed by advocacy groups as a major victory for consumer rights and diversity initiatives. California regulators have shown that they are willing to push back against federal pressure and prioritize consumer protection, setting an example for other states and companies.
As part of the merger agreement, California regulators have insisted that Verizon agree to maintain its low-income internet plans, which include offering home internet for as little as $20 per month. The plan is expected to remain in place for at least a decade.
The deal also includes provisions aimed at improving diversity and inclusion in the telecommunications industry, including requirements for quarterly employee satisfaction surveys, annual transparency reports, and commitments to increase workforce diversity and hiring from underrepresented groups.
Verizon has agreed to pay $40 million to California's Emerging Technology Fund for digital literacy programs and $10 million to California universities for a workforce development program. The company will also establish a recruiting pipeline from California State Universities and community colleges to recruit workers from underrepresented populations.
California regulators have criticized the FCC's approach, arguing that it is attempting to "remake society" by withholding regulatory approvals and coercing companies into abandoning diversity initiatives. The state has taken a more consumer-focused approach, insisting on measures aimed at protecting low-income consumers and promoting diversity in the industry.
As part of the agreement, Verizon will deploy fiber to 75,000 new locations within five years, prioritizing areas with low income levels. The company is also required to deploy 250 new cell sites with 5G and fixed wireless capability in areas eligible for state broadband grants and areas with high fire threats.
The condition attached to the merger approval has been hailed by advocacy groups as a major victory for consumer rights and diversity initiatives. California regulators have shown that they are willing to push back against federal pressure and prioritize consumer protection, setting an example for other states and companies.
but seriously tho, it's a big deal. california is basically saying "hey, we're not gonna let you just get rid of these initiatives without a fight". and it looks like they're willing to throw some pretty significant money at the table too 
like $40 million for digital literacy programs... that's actually kinda cool 
. and who knows, maybe this will set a precedent for other states and companies to follow suit 
the FCC's attempt to dismantle DEI initiatives is like they think they can control the internet itself 
it's not about the company's responsibility towards their employees or consumers, it's about the communities that will be affected by this merger - low-income families who will still have access to affordable internet but many others who might be pushed away from the digital age due to lack of options 
california is like a breath of fresh air in this matter, showing us that consumer protection and diversity are not just buzzwords but actual policies 
They're really looking out for the little guys (and gals) when it comes to internet access 
The $20/month plan for low-income internet is a game-changer for people who can't afford basic connectivity. It's not just about doing the right thing, it's also good business sense - happy customers = loyal customers! 
And I love that they're prioritizing areas with low income levels when deploying fiber and cell sites 
. I mean, $20 a month for home internet? That's like, super affordable 
. I love that they're setting aside some money for digital literacy programs and workforce development 
. It's about time we see some real change in the tech industry, you know? Companies need to start thinking about people like me who don't have a lot of cash 
!
And let's not forget about all those sweet, sweet federal funds Verizon is going to get... $40 million for digital literacy programs? Sounds like a pretty sweet deal to me. What's the real motivation here? 
Just read about Verizon's $9.6 billion acquisition of Frontier Communications 
like employee satisfaction surveys 
and workforce diversity initiatives 
. They're also gonna help with digital literacy programs 
.
. It's all about consumer protection 
.
! The condition attached to the merger approval has given advocacy groups hope 
!
. $20/month for home internet? Yes, please! 
.
. This merger approval is a major victory for consumer rights and diversity initiatives, and I'm so here for it 
. verizon's gotta do better than just payin out some cash & makin promises 
. and let's not forget about those digital literacy programs 
, and i hope other states & companies take notice 
. it's time for us all to get on board with makin the tech industry more diverse & equitable 
.
. It's like they're trying to keep an eye on big corps and make sure they don't mess with consumers 
i hope other states take note and follow california's lead on this one 
like what's the point of having a telecom industry if it doesn't reflect our society? 
Can you believe the FCC is trying to "remake society" with their diversity initiatives? Sounds like a bad Marvel movie plot 
. But seriously, $40 million for digital literacy programs? That's like, a whole lot of free Wi-Fi 
. And Verizon agreeing to keep those low-income internet plans in place? That's just basic human decency 
. It's cool that Verizon has agreed to deploy fiber to new locations, especially in areas with low income levels 
. This shows that companies can benefit from doing good stuff for their customers and community 
and california regulators are all about making sure those upgrades benefit the community. this is the kind of thing we need more of in our country