Growth and vibrancy continue to define the Inland Empire. Now the 11th-largest metropolitan area in the United States and the second largest in California, our region is a global leader in the movement of goods and a national leader in population growth. While other regions of the country contract, our reality is one of new cities and growing communities. That growth also means we need the infrastructure to ensure businesses, schools, and neighborhoods can thrive.
At the Inland Empire Economic Partnership (IEEP), our mission is to improve the quality of life and business climate across Riverside and San Bernardino counties. Broadband access is a big part of that and an issue we’ve long championed. For a student in Moreno Valley trying to complete homework, a small business owner in Ontario working to expand, or a family in Perris accessing telehealth, reliable internet service is no longer optional, it’s essential.
That is why Verizon’s proposed acquisition of Frontier’s network is so critical. Frontier has not had the resources to make necessary upgrades for our community, leaving residents and businesses uncertain about what that means for their future. Somebody has to step up to take on these assets, and Verizon has demonstrated that it is ready and willing to do just that. Californians everywhere deserve continuity of service and better service quality, and this acquisition would give us both. Not approving the acquisition simply doesn’t make sense.
Across the Inland Empire, I hear the same stories. In Hemet, families lose service during critical times. In Colton and Rialto, businesses can’t process online orders because of unreliable connections. In Victorville, workers are forced to drive long distances for training opportunities that should be accessible online. These are not minor inconveniences. They are barriers that limit growth, hurt our competitiveness and hold our residents back.
The Inland Empire is built on infrastructure. Our freeways, rail lines, and distribution hubs make us one of the most connected areas in the country. But in the 21st century, connectivity is also digital. Broadband is the new highway, and without it, we risk being bypassed by regions with stronger infrastructure. This transaction is about aligning our economic strength with the digital tools we need to succeed.
Broadband access is also a matter of equity. In too many of our communities, the digital divide has created a two-tier system—one where those with access thrive and those without fall further behind. Closing that gap is not just about convenience, it is about fairness and opportunity. The pandemic made this painfully clear when students without reliable internet were cut off from their classrooms and workers without strong connections lost out on remote job opportunities. The lesson is simple: broadband is as fundamental as water and electricity for modern life.
IEEP has long worked with state and local leaders to expand broadband access, and we know progress requires investment. That is why this transaction matters. Verizon brings both the resources and the track record to deliver real improvements. Every month of delay keeps Inland Empire families and businesses stuck in the slow lane. We cannot afford to wait while students fall behind, businesses miss opportunities and communities struggle to connect.
This is about more than a corporate deal. It is about the future of the Inland Empire. Reliable broadband means stronger businesses, more resilient communities and greater opportunities for every resident. It means empowering our growing workforce, ensuring that our children can compete in tomorrow’s economy, and providing our entrepreneurs with the tools to succeed. Verizon is prepared to invest in that future. We should invite them to do so with all speed.
Paul C. Granillo has served as president and CEO of the Inland Empire Economic Partnership (IEEP) since 2010, leading efforts to strengthen the economy of the nation’s 11th largest metropolitan area.