AT&T, Verizon and T Mobile to offer free wireless carriers in Florida amidst Hurricane Ian
Hurricane Ian, a Category 4 storm, made landfall in Cuba on Tuesday and is expected to make landfall in the US on Wednesday. Florida’s Governor Ron De Santis has warned residents to prepare for a “catastrophic” natural disaster.
Due to the storm, AT&T is waiving call, text, and data overage fees for both prepaid and billed customers. As Florida is hit by Hurricane Ian, there have been plans announced by different wireless carriers to ensure that their customers have access to the network during the hurricane crisis.
More than 800 Florida ZIP codes will receive assistance from the program through October 28. According to a message from AT&T on Wednesday, customers can still receive notifications, but their accounts will now reflect any credits or waived expenses.
Verizon has said that its home and small-business customers in Ian’s expected path will receive unlimited talking, texting, and data through October 4. Charlotte, DeSoto, Hardee, Hillsborough, Lee, Manatee, Pinellas, Polk, and Sarasota counties are automatically insured.
Accounts that are prepaid and postpaid are also automatically included. Customers can check their ZIP code on a special website for relief to determine whether they qualify.
Additionally, to assist in the reaction of public safety authorities to the hurricane, Verizon’s crisis response team will set up mobile cell sites, Wi-Fi hotspots, free charging stations, and other services.
The third-largest carrier in the country, T-Mobile, is also providing customers who are likely to be affected by the hurricane with unlimited talk, text, and data through October 3.