California Agency OKs Verizon-Frontier Deal With New Conditions

Verizon Communications Inc.‘s deal to acquire Frontier Communications’ California operations got a nod Thursday by the state’s Public Utilities Commission.

The commissioners’ unanimous vote to authorize the agreement followed a yearlong review that was wrinkled in May when Verizon announced it would scrap its diversity, equity, and inclusion programs after pressure by the Federal Communications Commission, and state regulators. The FCC approved the Verizon’s $9 billion acquisition of Frontier Communications Parent Inc. on May 16.

To comply with state law, Verizon agreed to create a $10 million, five-year workforce development program run by California State University or another ...