Verizon Merger Faces California Headwinds Over DEI Policies

Verizon's acquisition of Frontier Communications is facing a hurdle in California due to conflicting Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) policies. To secure FCC approval, Verizon eliminated its DEI programs, a move now clashing with California law. The California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC) demands specifics on Verizon's compliance with state regulations regarding supplier diversity and employment reporting, in the absence of these programs. While Verizon has secured approvals from eight states, the FCC, and the DOJ, California's approval remains uncertain, potentially impacting Verizon's goal of statewide free internet access next year.