November 4, 2019
The California wildfires remind us that our nation’s communications infrastructure is critical during natural disasters. USTelecom members serving affected areas are stepping up to keep communities connected.
Frontier is monitoring developments and remains committed to protecting their networks so they can keep their customers connected. The provider offers useful information and helpful links on their website and is offering service credits and fee waivers to affected communities.
AT&T has created a disaster relief page for customers in California, and is providing relief to communities affected by power shutdowns with unlimited talk, text and data access, issuing credits and waiving overage charges. Areas near the Easy, Getty, Kincade and Tick fires qualify as well. More good news: the overall network continues to perform well, thanks in part to pre-event staging of additional generators and equipment at critical infrastructure locations.
Verizon customers also are receiving unlimited calling, texting and data, and the Verizon Response Team remains available 24/7 to coordinate with first responders, even while the network remains unaffected. And both Verizon and AT&T have donated $100,000 to support The California Fire Foundation, which provides emotional and financial assistance to families of fallen firefighters, firefighters and the communities they protect.
Broadband providers work year-round to harden their networks in case of natural disasters, so when the fires rage, our companies are ready to answer the call. We hope all those who remain on high alert stay safe as seasonal winds continue driving flames.
For additional information regarding Public Notices, News Releases and Communications Status Reports from the FCC, please visit: https://www.fcc.gov/powershutoff