FCC’s Keep Americans Connected Pledge Now Adopted by 750 Operators - ETI
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May 19, 2020

FCC’s Keep Americans Connected Pledge Now Adopted by 750 Operators

More than 750 carriers and broadband providers have pledged to the Federal Communications Commission that they will waive service and late fees along with keeping Wi-Fi hotspots open through the end of June to help meet the connection demands during the COVID-19 pandemic, the FCC announced this week. The agreements are part of the Keep Americans Connected Pledge, which had been set to expire this week, but now has been extended to June 30.

The FCC originally announced the pledge on March 13 and asked carriers to maintain it for 60 days.

By agreeing to the Pledge, each of these companies has committed through June 30 to 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; waive any late fees that any residential or small business customers incur because of their economic circumstances related to the coronavirus pandemic and open its Wi-Fi hotspots to any American who needs them.

“I’m pleased that the overwhelming majority of companies taking the Pledge has agreed to extend that commitment through the end of June and that new companies have joined this effort,” FCC Chairman Ajit Pai said in a prepared statement.

“This will help ensure that Americans can continue to communicate with loved ones, access education, and get healthcare remotely as they practice social distancing.  I am grateful to all who are working to keep Americans connected and those who continue to go above and beyond to help consumers during this pandemic.”

A list of the companies who have taken the pledge may be found here. Many of ETI’s customers have joined the pledge and we salute them for bringing this essential service to the people of their communities when they need it the most.