In the aftermath of Hurricane Ian’s destruction, major wireless providers are extending complimentary service to customers in the areas most severely affected by the storm.
AT&T, Verizon and T-Mobile each revealed plans Thursday to suspend fees and overage charges for subscribers located in regions impacted by Ian. They are also coordinating with emergency responders and shelters to help preserve cellular connectivity.
Ian made landfall Wednesday as an intense Category 4 hurricane, battering Florida with torrential rain, fierce winds and significant storm surge, putting lives at risk and inflicting damage that will amount to billions of dollars.
Residents across Florida began assessing damage Thursday as the storm tracked northward toward the Carolinas.
AT&T
AT&T, the country’s largest wireless operator, is providing customers relief by waiving overage fees for a month.
“To keep wireless customers connected in areas that may be affected by Hurricane Ian, we’re waiving talk, text and data overage charges,” AT&T said Thursday.
This policy applies to AT&T postpaid and prepaid customers with billing addresses in 828 Florida ZIP codes from now through Oct. 28.
The ZIP codes cover areas across southwest and central Florida as well as the state’s west coast. Impacted locations include Fort Myers and Naples, in addition to the Tampa Bay region and Orlando.
“To assist in the recovery, we’re now welcoming other carriers’ customers to roam on our networks so they can connect, even if their carrier’s service isn’t available after the storm,” AT&T stated.
Verizon
Verizon, the nation’s second-largest carrier, is suspending charges for a shorter window for those affected by Ian. Verizon subscribers in impacted ZIP codes will receive unlimited domestic talk, text and data through Tuesday, Oct. 4, the company noted.
The ZIP codes largely overlap with those covered by AT&T’s relief. Verizon customers can view eligible ZIP codes here, which encompass Brevard, Charlotte, Collier, DeSoto, Glades, Hardee, Hendry, Highlands, Hillsborough, Indian River, Lake, Lee, Manatee, Orange, Osceola, Pinellas, Polk, Sarasota and Volusia counties.
Verizon is also deploying a crisis-response team to establish temporary cell sites, Wi‑Fi hotspots and complimentary charging stations in the hardest-hit communities.
T-Mobile
T-Mobile, the country’s third-largest carrier, is likewise offering unlimited talk, text and data through Monday, Oct. 3, for customers across much of Florida and portions of Georgia affected by Ian, the company announced.
Response teams are delivering portable generators, mobile command units and temporary wireless infrastructure such as Cells on Wheels and Cells on Light Trucks.
Alex Monroe (alex.monroe@example.com) is a senior writer at Savinly.
