AT&T, Verizon, and more pledge not to penalize customers for missed payments during the...

[Polycount]

What just happened? Federal Communications Commission (FCC) Chairman Ajit Pai today announced a new policy intended to keep Americans online during the ongoing coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak. The policy, dubbed the Keep Americans Connected Pledge, will aid many individuals who may soon find themselves unable to work due to direct COVID-19 infection, or collateral damage caused by the virus (such as workplace closures).

The Keep Americans Connected Pledge requires participating companies to adhere to three specific rules. Each telecom must:

• ...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.
• ...open its Wi-Fi hotspots to any American who needs them.

If a company agrees to sign this Pledge, they will be bound by its terms for 60 days. Pai explained the rules to multiple telecoms by phone on Thursday, and now, dozens of companies have already agreed to follow them. Some of the more notable examples include AT&T, Verizon, Comcast, Cox Communications, and T-Mobile.

All in all, the Keep Americans Connected Pledge is very much a pro-consumer policy. While plenty of people might take issue with some of Pai's past decisions, such as his role in the repeal of net neutrality, this Pledge should help to protect consumers during what is (and will likely continue to be) a very turbulent time for the entire country.

By blocking telecoms from penalizing users for failing to pay their bills on time, the FCC has lifted at least one burden from the shoulders of American citizens. However, as we noted before, this Pledge only applies for 60 days, and COVID-19 may stick around for much longer.

Permalink to story.

https://www.techspot.com/news/84394-att-verizon-more-pledge-not-penalize-customers-missed.html

 

[pcnthuziast]

Translation: when your service drops, it won't be because you missed a payment.

 

[treetops]

The USA produces a ton of food, if it comes down to it... I think will be fine....

 

[Uncle Al]

The USA produces a ton of food, if it comes down to it... I think will be fine....

Sorry to have to tell you but the major crops in thee USA are now corn and wheat. Almost all fruits and vegetables are now imported from Mexico and more southern countries .....

 

[QuantumPhysics]

I'll be paying them on time just as I promised to in the promissory note.

 

[StupidPeopleSuk]

BUT, there real question is what these companies will do when this virus thing is over with....

Surely some of use are not niave enough to believe that they will just voluntarily give up all late/extra fees that they have gotten so used to having....

There WILL be reprocussions, and the cell providers losing money aint gonna be one of them !!!!!!!!!

 

[p51d007]

They "promise" but unless you have it signed in writing... Don't bet on it!

 

[candle_86]

BUT, there real question is what these companies will do when this virus thing is over with....

Surely some of use are not niave enough to believe that they will just voluntarily give up all late/extra fees that they have gotten so used to having....

There WILL be reprocussions, and the cell providers losing money aint gonna be one of them !!!!!!!!!

They agreed to do so, my guess is payment plans with interest.

 

[Yynxs]

If I were those telecoms, I'd throw in full speed too. Getting a customer trapped in their domicile used to high speed internet and then seeing the slowdown after this crisis should net a few new buyers. Theoretically, it should reduce the load on the sysops transmission tuning too, much less to keep track of.

Another (to me) obvious suggestion "in the public interest" would be to create a 'temporary' web site with all the major news agencies that are currently only available with a cable subscription. Keep that active during the 60 days. This would get cord cutters out of the business of looking for pirated rebroadcasts on Youtube and keep the public actively informed.