Internet providers pledge to "engage Americans" during COVID-19 crisis

At a time when communication and access to information is important, the FCC has prompted major Internet providers across the US to ensure that Americans have access to the Internet.

In response to the outbreak of coronavirus, FCC officials launched the "Keep Americans Connected Pledge" earlier today, in hopes of communicating and managing information for Americans everywhere.

The initiative urges Internet providers to work within three guidelines over the next 60 days. According to the FCC, pledged Internet providers agree:

"(1) do not terminate services to any residential or small business customer because they are unable to pay their bills due to the disruption caused by the coronavirus pandemic; Open the Wi-Fi hotspot to any American they need. "
Some Internet providers have already pledged, while others are doing more to ensure that everyone has access to the Internet for updates on the coronavirus pandemic.

What providers have pledged to "engage Americans"?
To 3 o'clock in the afternoon. (EDT), March 13 More than 65 Internet providers have pledged not to punish late and severed connections when residential and commercial customers are most in need.

Major Internet providers such as AT&T, CenturyLink, Cox, Frontier, MediaCom, Spectrum, Verizon, Xfinity and Windstream have pledged as expected, but even the smallest regional providers are doing their part.

Atlantic Broadband, Cincinnati Bell, Sonic, Wave Broadband and Altis, which include Sidelink and Optimum, promised to connect Americans. Mobile providers including AT&T, Sprint, T-Mobile and Verizon have also joined the effort.

Select providers beyond FCC requests with unlimited data and free service
It is early to promise not to charge high fees or disconnected services due to late payments, but many Internet providers have taken a step back and helped millions of people take the financial toll coronavirus nationwide.

AT&T suspends the data cap, encouraging Americans to work from home and broadcast news resources without fear of data overload fees.
Comcast is offering its Internet Essential Plan to help low-income families qualify, offering a significantly faster upgrade and cost reduction to their standard low-income plan.
Verizon has announced that it will waive late fees for residential and commercial customers due to "disruptions caused by coronaviruses."
Providers are "doing the right thing," said FCC president Ajit Pai
So far, the U.S. The response was immediate and overwhelming from the UK's major internet providers, which received praise from FCC President Ajit Pai.