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Verizon: Proposed Deployment Requirements for Frontier Deal Too Expensive

A proposed approval would require the company to deploy to all locations served by 88 rural wire centers.

Jake Neenan

Jan 9, 2026 — 2 min read

Photo of Kristin Jacobson, parter at DLA Piper, from the firm

WASHINGTON, Jan. 9, 2026 – Verizon expanded on its opposition to deployment obligations included in a proposed decision that would approve its $20 billion acquisition of Frontier in California.

Verizon’s agreement to end diversity initiatives in exchange for federal approval has been an ongoing issue at the California Public Utilities Commission, the last state regulator that needs to clear the deal.

But that’s largely been smoothed over, and the hang up is an obligation to deploy broadband 100 megabits per second (Mbps) download and 20 Mbps upload at all locations served by 88 rural wire centers in the state within five years.

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