Verizon to offer $20 broadband in California to obtain merger approval

"There is also disagreement between California and the Trump administration about DEI (diversity, equity, and inclusion) policies. Federal Communications Commission Chairman Brendan Carr has threatened to block mergers if companies don't eliminate DEI programs. Verizon agreed to end DEI programs in May, resulting in the FCC's approval of the Verizon/Frontier merger. According to Falcon, Verizon's promise to the FCC may prove to be trouble in California's review of the merger."

"Verizon CFO Anthony Skiadas said in a July earnings call that the firm is on track to close the acquisition in early 2026. "We have received regulatory approvals from eight states as well as the FCC and DOJ and are productively engaged with the remaining state regulatory agencies," he said. Verizon generally offers discounted service with " Verizon Forward" and has been agreeing to expand the program in specific states to gain merger approvals."

California and the federal government disagree over DEI policies, with the FCC threatening to block mergers unless companies eliminate DEI programs. Verizon ended DEI programs in May, securing FCC approval for its Frontier acquisition, but California regulators say that could conflict with state law. The CPUC has requested details on how Verizon will meet supplier diversity rules and annual hiring-report requirements without DEI programs. Verizon reported regulatory approvals from eight states plus the FCC and DOJ and expects to close in early 2026. Verizon uses discounted plans through " Verizon Forward" and agreed to extend low-income plans in Pennsylvania to Frontier areas for four years, with a $20 price when combined with Lifeline.

Read at Ars Technica