Comcast, T-Mobile and Verizon have announced they will extend their coronavirus service protection policies until at least June 30.
As the coronavirus began taking a toll on small businesses and individuals, wireless carriers and internet providers voluntarily adopted the FCC’s “Keep Americans Connected Pledge.” The pledge was aimed at preventing late fees or disconnects for individuals and small businesses impacted by the pandemic. In their latest announcement, several carriers have agreed to extend the initial window for those protections to the end of June
Comcast’s CEO, Dave Watson, said: “Our services have never been more important, and we’re doing everything we can to keep people connected to the internet.” Meanwhile, “Comcast announced today it will extend its commitments for Xfinity customers through June 30 to help ensure students can finish out the school year from home and remain connected to the internet during the COVID-19 crisis.”
T-Mobile, likewise, said its extension would go to June 30 and that “customers who have already talked to us and made arrangements for their account can contact us directly after May 13 to get an extension through June 30. We will have more details available online later this week.”
Similarly, Verizon said “we will neither terminate service nor charge late fees to our postpaid wireless, residential, and small business customers that notify us of their inability to pay their bills due to disruptions caused by the coronavirus pandemic.”
There had previously been reports of some individuals being disconnected in spite of the pledge. As a result, it is important for any users impacted by the pandemic to proactively communicate with their provider to take advantage of the measures being offered.