On March 13, 2020, the Federal Communication Commission (FCC) issued the “KEEP AMERICANS CONNECTED PLEDGE” to ensure Internet connectivity for those affected by the COVID-19 Pandemic.
The Keep Americans Connected Pledge reads as follows:
Given the coronavirus pandemic and its impact on American society, [[Company Name]] pledges for the next 60 days to:
(1) not terminate service to any residential or small business customers because of their inability to pay their bills due to the disruptions caused by the coronavirus pandemic;
(2) waive any late fees that any residential or small business customers incur because of their economic circumstances related to the coronavirus pandemic; and
(3) open its Wi-Fi hotspots to any American who needs them.
The Information Technology Department has compiled a list of providers that have stepped up to the pledge. Please review the list below and contact the provider in your area for more information if you need Internet connectivity.
Connectivity Options:
- FCC agreement states that providers will waive late fees, not cutoff service for lack of payment, and open hot-spots.
- Charter Spectrum Free Internet offer for 2 months: Charter offers free access to Spectrum Broadband and Wi-Fi for 60 Days for New K-12 and College Student Households
- Comcast COVID-19 response: offers free WiFi for 2 months to low-income families plus all Xfinity hot-spots are free to the public during this time
- Cox Communications free wifi hotspots
- AT&T COVID-19 response: offers open hot-spots, unlimited data to existing customers, and $10/month plans to low-income families
- Verizon COVID-19 response: no special offers, but following the FCC agreement.
- Sprint COVID-19 response: follows FCC agreement, provides unlimited data to existing customers, and, starting Tuesday, 3/17/2020, will allow all handsets to enable hot-spots for 60 days at no extra charge.
- T-Mobile COVID-19 response: follows FCC agreement, plus unlimited data to existing customers, and, coming soon, will allow all handsets to enable hot-spots for 60 days at no extra charge.