Verizon, Frontier Settle with Two Merger Opponents in California

The companies are eager for the CPUC to approve the deal at its Dec. 18 meeting.

Verizon, Frontier Settle with Two Merger Opponents in California
Photo of the Governor Edmund G. "Pat" Brown Building, which houses the California Public Utilities Commission, from Jeff Chiu/AP

WASHINGTON, Sept. 10, 2025 – Verizon and Frontier settled with two opponents to their merger in California, an effort to secure approval from the state’s utility regulator before the end of the year.

The companies agreed, should the state approve the deal, to dedicate $500 million to California-based suppliers, deploy 75,000 fiber passings in the state within five years, deploy 250 cell sites in seven years, and invest $40 million in digital opportunity programs run by the California Emerging Technology Fund. CETF said it didn't oppose the transaction in principle, provided the companies reached an agreement with the group to guarantee public interest benefits.

As part of the settlements, the companies would participate in California’s recently launched $20-per-month broadband subsidy program for low-income households and offer plans for the same price.

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