Buzz
Spending a lot of time at home and using your phone a lot? You might find some ways to reduce your bill.
In March, Federal Communications Commission Chair Ajit Pai introduced the Keep Americans Connected Pledge to help people maintain phone and internet services during the pandemic.
Over 700 companies have joined the pledge, committing to the following for the next 60 days after signing it:
The company won’t disconnect service for residential or small business customers who are unable to pay their bills due to the coronavirus crisis.
No late fees will be charged for customers facing financial difficulties related to the pandemic.
The company will provide free access to its wifi hotspots for any American in need.
In addition to that pledge, your mobile provider may also be offering further assistance during the pandemic.
Here's a summary of what major carriers are doing for their customers, along with how you can get help if you're struggling to pay your bill on time.
AT&T
AT&T is offering an extra 15GB of mobile hotspot data per month for each line on an unlimited plan that includes tethering. This offer is valid through May 13. Plus, if you sign up or upgrade your service online, you'll receive free express shipping and no activation or upgrade fees.
You can apply for a waiver of any overage or late payment fees by filling out this form (you'll need your username and ID to log in). This waiver is available for charges from March 13 to May 13. The form can also be used to request more time if you need extra time to pay your bill.
Sprint
As of March 18, Sprint is offering 60 days of unlimited data for customers with metered data plans. Those with hotspot-capable devices will receive 20 GB of free mobile hotspot data. International calls from the U.S. to CDC level 3 countries (which includes almost everywhere right now) are also free, starting March 17.
If you need to purchase a phone or sign up for a plan, Sprint is waiving activation fees and providing free next-day shipping for all online orders.
If you're finding it difficult to pay your bill, you can set up a payment arrangement through your online account.
T-Mobile
Starting March 13, all T-Mobile customers with a data plan will receive unlimited smartphone data for 60 days.
If you have a plan with mobile hotspot, you can add an extra 10GB of data per month for two months. To activate this, log into your account and add the “COVID-19 Response High Speed Smartphone Mobile HotSpot” feature for each voice line.
Customers can make international calls for free to a growing list of countries, which is regularly updated here.
All online orders that include a device will receive free two-day shipping through May 13.
If you need extra time to pay your bill, you can set up a payment arrangement by logging into your account.
Verizon
Verizon is offering wireless customers an additional 15GB of data toward their billing statement through April 30 May 31. Fios and DSL broadband internet customers will have unlimited data access.
If you have a postpaid account, you’ll get unlimited minutes for calls to various countries through April 30. Prepaid plan customers will receive 300 minutes through April 30 for international calls to the same countries. You can find the list here.
As of March 18, activation and upgrade fees are waived.
Verizon will waive late fees and overage charges from March 16 to May 13 if you notify the company that you’re unable to pay your bill due to the coronavirus. You can set up a payment arrangement through your online account.
Other carriers
If you’re with a provider outside the “big four,” you may discover extra benefits as well. MVNOs like Cricket and Ting are offering new, reduced-cost plans during the pandemic, while U.S. Cellular is giving additional hotspot data.
You can explore some of the offerings in an FCC directory, but it’s also a good idea to log into your carrier’s online portal to check what options are available. Even if you're able to pay your bill, you might be able to adjust your plan for better affordability or a better fit to your needs.
