Federal Communications Commission (FCC) Chairman Ajit Pai has asked carriers to take a Keep Americans Connected Pledge during the coronavirus pandemic. The goal is to keep consumers connected during the unprecedented actions taking place during the pandemic, including millions of Americans now forced to work from home.
By taking the pledge, carriers commit to following three key policies:
- Not terminating 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.
- Waiving any late fees that any residential or small business customers incur because of their economic circumstances related to the coronavirus pandemic; and.
- Open Wi-Fi hotspots to any American who needs them.
Keep Americans Connected Pledge
Numerous carriers, large and small, have already agreed to take the pledge. Trade associations representing the broadband industry including ACA Connects, Competitive Carriers Association, CTIA, INCOMPAS, NCTA—The Internet and Television Association, NTCA—The Rural Broadband Association, USTelecom, and WISPA have all endorsed the pledge.
Some carriers are taking the pledge a step further. For example, both Comcast and Charter are offering free broadband service for up to 60 days to households with K-12 and/or college students who are not already subscribers.
“As the coronavirus outbreak spreads and causes a series of disruptions to the economic, educational, medical, and civic life of our country, it is imperative that Americans stay connected. Broadband will enable them to communicate with their loved ones and doctors, telework, ensure their children can engage in remote learning, and—importantly—take part in the ‘social distancing’ that will be so critical to limiting the spread of this novel coronavirus,” said Chairman Ajit Pai in a prepared statement. “That’s why I’m asking all broadband and telephone service providers to take the Keep Americans Connected Pledge. I don’t want any American consumers experiencing hardships because of the pandemic to lose connectivity.”