Dear Howard University Community,
In response to the COVID-19 pandemic and the challenges that many people will face in the coming months, the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) called on telecommunications companies across the nation to take a Keep Americans Connected pledge. So far, more than 400 companies and associations have signed the FCC's pledge to not disrupt telephone and internet service of those who are adversely affected by these exceptional circumstances and can longer afford services.
The FCC is asking companies to pledge several things for the next 60 days for people affected financially by the pandemic:
- They will not terminate services
- They will waive any late fees
- They will open WiFi hotspots to any American who needs them
To help you stay connected during our transition to a remote working and learning environment, here are several telecommunications service offers that are currently available to individuals impacted by the coronavirus pandemic:
- Comcast: offers free WiFi for two months to low-income families, plus all Xfinity hotspots are free to the public during this time.
- Internet Essentials: $9.95 a month with no contract.
- Charter Free Internet offer for two months.
- AT&T COVID-19 response: offers open hotspots, unlimited data to existing customers, and $10/month plans to low-income families.
- Verizon COVID-19 response: no special offers, but following the FCC agreement.
- Sprint COVID-19 response: follows FCC agreement, provides unlimited data to existing customers, and, as of Tuesday, March 17, 2020, allows all handsets to enable hotspots for 60 days at no extra charge.
- T-Mobile COVID-19 response: follows FCC agreement, plus unlimited data to existing customers, and, coming soon, will allow all handsets to enable hotspots for 60 days at no extra charge.
Make sure you check out each company's website for their requirements. Please take advantage of the remarkable deals that are available to you. We will continue to look for and provide other IT resources that will assist you through this transition.
Excellence in Truth and Service,
Enterprise Technology Services (ETS)
