California takes firm stance against FCC's discriminatory DEI policies, conditions Verizon/Frontier merger with consumer-focused commitments.
Verizon Communications is set to complete its $9.6 billion acquisition of Frontier Communications after receiving the final approval from California regulators. The deal requires Verizon to deploy more fiber and wireless infrastructure, offer low-cost internet plans, and maintain its diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) policies, which were previously dropped due to demands by the Trump administration.
Verizon will expand its network to 30 million fiber passings across 31 states and Washington, DC, as part of the deal. The company will also deploy fiber to 75,000 new locations within five years, prioritizing census blocks with income at or below 90 percent of the county median.
The California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC) has required Verizon to offer internet service with speeds of at least 100Mbps download and 20Mbps upload at wire centers serving rural customers. The company must also maintain its "Small Business Supplier Accelerator" program, which aims to support California small businesses over five years.
California regulators have taken a strong stance against the FCC's attempts to eliminate DEI initiatives that promote diversity and inclusion in the telecom industry. The CPUC has required Verizon to establish a recruiting pipeline from California State Universities and community colleges to hire workers from underrepresented populations.
Verizon will also provide $40 million to the California Emerging Technology Fund for digital literacy programs and $10 million to California universities for workforce development programs. The company must maintain its commitment to low-cost internet plans, which include Verizon Forward service offering home internet for as low as $20 a month.
Several advocacy groups have praised California regulators for resisting Trump's efforts to undermine employees' and customers' rights. They have hailed the CPUC's decision as a victory for workers and consumers who are fighting against discriminatory policies that harm marginalized communities.
Verizon Communications is set to complete its $9.6 billion acquisition of Frontier Communications after receiving the final approval from California regulators. The deal requires Verizon to deploy more fiber and wireless infrastructure, offer low-cost internet plans, and maintain its diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) policies, which were previously dropped due to demands by the Trump administration.
Verizon will expand its network to 30 million fiber passings across 31 states and Washington, DC, as part of the deal. The company will also deploy fiber to 75,000 new locations within five years, prioritizing census blocks with income at or below 90 percent of the county median.
The California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC) has required Verizon to offer internet service with speeds of at least 100Mbps download and 20Mbps upload at wire centers serving rural customers. The company must also maintain its "Small Business Supplier Accelerator" program, which aims to support California small businesses over five years.
California regulators have taken a strong stance against the FCC's attempts to eliminate DEI initiatives that promote diversity and inclusion in the telecom industry. The CPUC has required Verizon to establish a recruiting pipeline from California State Universities and community colleges to hire workers from underrepresented populations.
Verizon will also provide $40 million to the California Emerging Technology Fund for digital literacy programs and $10 million to California universities for workforce development programs. The company must maintain its commitment to low-cost internet plans, which include Verizon Forward service offering home internet for as low as $20 a month.
Several advocacy groups have praised California regulators for resisting Trump's efforts to undermine employees' and customers' rights. They have hailed the CPUC's decision as a victory for workers and consumers who are fighting against discriminatory policies that harm marginalized communities.
I think it's sick how California took matters into their own hands and basically told Verizon to get its act together when it came to treating everyone fairly, especially in rural areas where people need affordable internet the most 
. I mean, who says companies can just ignore the needs of certain communities because they're not profitable? The fact that California regulators are holding Verizon accountable for promoting diversity and inclusion is a total win for marginalized folks who deserve equal access to opportunities 
. It's also super cool that Verizon has to give back to the community with those digital literacy programs and workforce development initiatives 
. Let's keep pushing for policies that benefit everyone, not just the wealthy or powerful 
!
. It's about time the FCC got called out on their attempts to roll back DEI policies. Like, I get it, diversity and inclusion are important, but come on, can't we just have a fair shot at making sure everyone has access to decent internet? California regulators aren't afraid to stand up for what they believe in, and that's awesome 
. And let's not forget about the $40 million investment in digital literacy programs - that's some serious cash being put towards helping people get their lives back on track 
. It's gonna be interesting to see how this all plays out, but so far, I'm feeling pretty optimistic 
.
it's literally changed the game! they use this special type of avocado from mexico that makes it super creamy and rich... i'm thinking of making a batch for my friends this weekend 
anyway, back to this news about verizon... i'm kinda happy that california is taking a stand against those discriminatory policies 
I gotta say, it's refreshing to see California regulators taking a stand against those discriminatory DEI policies from the FCC 
. It's about time someone did something about promoting diversity and inclusion in the telecom industry 
. The fact that Verizon has to deploy more fiber and wireless infrastructure is a good thing for rural customers, but let's not forget they also have to offer low-cost internet plans, like $20 a month 
. And if they can't deliver on those commitments, they'll be facing some serious regulatory pushback 
. I'm all for supporting California small businesses too, so the fact that Verizon is committing to their "Small Business Supplier Accelerator" program is a win-win 
. Overall, it's good to see regulators prioritizing workers' and customers' rights 
Like, it's not just about being nice, it's about not being discriminatory towards people who need internet access more than others. I mean, who doesn't love a good fiber expansion? 
Verizon's getting a major upgrade and we get to reap the benefits. The fact that they have to prioritize rural areas with slower speeds is like, "Great, finally some progress!" 
just seen that california is finally taking a stand against the fcc's crazy dei policies 
like, who thought it was a good idea to try and eliminate initiatives that promote diversity and inclusion in the telecom industry? 
also love that california is prioritizing rural areas with low-cost internet plans - that's exactly what we need more of! 
, like, can't they just focus on getting everyone connected? anyway, i think its cool that california is standing up for whats right and demanding more from verizon 
, at least they're making sure that low-income communities get access to fast internet speeds too 
. i'm glad california is taking a stand against these discriminatory policies 
.
. But California regulators are all about making sure everyone has access to quality internet and affordable prices. It's like they're saying, "Hey, we value diversity and inclusion in our communities, not just profit over people!" 
. So, props to California regulators for taking a strong stance and putting consumers first 
. And those low-cost internet plans? Forget about it! $20 a month is basically free money 
I'm also loving the fact that they're investing in digital literacy programs and workforce development initiatives - it's not just about the money, its about creating opportunities for people to grow and thrive 
This is a major win for the people, you know? I mean, California taking a stand against those FCC DEI policies was like a breath of fresh air for this maximalist 
. It's about time someone said enough is enough to these discriminatory practices that only serve the privileged few. Verizon's got some serious explaining to do now too, with all these consumer-focused commitments and whatnot 
. And the fact that they're investing millions in digital literacy programs? That's just pure progress 
. This is what a people-powered revolution looks like, where the voice of the many wins out over the few