US and Canadian operators and providers have said they will look to help customers amid the covid-19 (coronavirus) outbreak. This follows the FCC’s Keep Americans Connected Pledge, which called for 60 days grace for people and companies negatively hit by the epidemic, among other measures.
Verizon to up capex, give USD 10 mln to non-profits
Verizon said it will waive late fees and keep residential and small business customers connected if negatively impacted by the crisis, at least for the coming 60 days. It will also increase its capex guidance range for this year to USD 17.5-18.5 billion from 17-18 billion.
The company said it will triple the data allowance for Verizon Innovative Learning schools and that it will give USD 10 million to non-profits directed at supporting students and first responder healthcare workers. Of the total, USD 5 million will go in support to No Kid Hungry Responds: Coronavirus, while the other USD 5 million will go to the Center for Disaster Philanthropy (CDP) Covid-19 Response Fund, and Direct Relief.
A number of Verizon stores will be closed and employees sent to work from home.
T-Mobile to add 600 MHz spectrum over next 60 days
T-Mobile US said it will light up additional 600 MHz spectrum over the next 60 days, together with partners Bluewater, Channel 51, Comcast, Dish, Newlevel and Omega Wireless. It will remove smartphone data caps for all customers, add more hotspot data, expand data access for EmpowerED schools, give free calling to severely impacted countries and free shipping.
The company has also expanded roaming access for Sprint customers to use the T-Mobile network, for the next 60 days.
Altice USA will also bring free broadband to L-12 and college students during the pandemic outbreak. The company has put out two sign-up numbers, one for its Optimum region and the other for its Suddenlink region.
Charter said it will give free access to Spectrum Broadband and Wi-Fi for 60 days to homes with K-12 or college students. The company will also open its Wi-Fi hotspots for public use.
Atlantic Broadband said it will ensure business continuity for its customers and that it will to this end prioritise network maintenance activities and service-related appointments for homes and businesses. The company said upgrades performed over the last two years should ensure its network accommodates the expected increase in demand during this time.
Cox said it will upgrade internet speeds for some residential packages and implement other changes to provide support and relief where it is needed most. Residential customers in the company’s Starter, StraightUP Internet and Connect2Compete package will be automatically upgraded to 50 Mbps. Cox will also extend its Cox Complete Care remote desktop support for residential customers in those tiers, for those that may need help with online classroom support applications and web conferencing services. An upgrade for Essential customers to 50 from 30 Mbps will take place as soon as possible, instead of later this year as originally scheduled.In Canada
Canada’s Cogeco Connexion said it will try and ensure that customers have continued access to internet, TV and phone services during the outbreak. The company will not terminate any residential or small business customer if they can’t pay their bills due to the disruptions caused by the epidemic.
Shaw will provide free access to its Shaw Go WiFi network, which runs across Western Canada. It will give everyone, even non-Shaw customers, free and unrestricted access until further notice to its Shaw Go WiFi network hotspots. The company will be closing its 116 Freedom Mobile and 43 Shaw stores until 27 March.
Quebec’s Videotron will meanwhile lift data caps on all residential and business internet plans for existing customers. The change will apply automatically. Videotron parent Quebecor said the measure will be in effect until 31 March.
