The FCC reports…

Today, the FCC’s Wireline Competition Bureau approved Verizon’s $20 billion acquisition of Frontier by granting a series of applications that transfer FCC licenses and authorizations.

Chairman Carr issued the following statement:

“By approving this deal, the FCC ensures that Americans will benefit from a series of good and common-sense wins.  The transaction will unleash billions of dollars in new infrastructure builds in communities across the country—including rural America.  This investment will accelerate the transition away from old, copper line networks to modern, high-speed ones.  And it delivers for America’s tower and telecom crews who do the hard, often gritty work needed to build high-speed networks.”

Secures New Infrastructure Builds and Investment for Rural America.  Approving this transaction allows Verizon to upgrade and expand Frontier’s existing network in 25 states, bringing more fiber to more communities.  Verizon’s new fiber deployments will enable the retirement of old copper networks, ensuring that more communities benefit from advanced technologies.  Following the transaction, Verizon expects to deploy fiber to 1 million or more American homes annually.

Ensures that Discriminatory DEI Policies End.  Verizon has also committed to ending DEI-related practices as specified in the FCC’s record and has reaffirmed the merged entity’s commitment to equal opportunity and nondiscrimination.  This will ensure that the combined business will enact policies and practices consistent with the law and the public interest.

Delivers for America’s Workers.  Finally, this transaction delivers wins for America’s workers.  Following its engagements with NATE:  The Communications Infrastructure Contractors Association, Verizon made valuable commitments to America’s tower and telecom crews.  These commitments remove costly burdens on this workforce and provide good-paying jobs for America’s workers while improving safety.  A world-class wireless industry depends on having healthy companies that both construct and operate these networks.  Verizon’s new commitments promote exactly that type of outcome.