Verizon has announced its intention to acquire Frontier Communications for $20 billion in a cash transaction, aiming to expand its fiber-optic network. This strategic move is expected to enhance Verizon's capacity to provide high-speed broadband services to both current and new customer bases, thereby strengthening its market position against competitors like AT&T. The deal, which includes Frontier's 2.2 million fiber subscribers across 25 states combined with Verizon's approximately 7.4 million Fios subscribers, is anticipated to be finalized in approximately 18 months. Verizon's existing fiber network is primarily concentrated in the Northeast and mid-Atlantic regions, while Frontier extends coverage to additional areas including the Midwest, Texas, and California. The acquisition is designed to leverage Verizon's longstanding leadership in fiber technology and to extend its competitive reach across the U.S. market. Verizon CEO Hans Vestberg has highlighted the strategic alignment of the acquisition, which is also expected to yield at least $500 million in annual cost synergies and contribute to the company's top and bottom-line growth.