Verizon announced it’s adding 15GB of free high-speed data for its consumer and small business customers, part of its response to the ongoing coronavirus pandemic and its effects. The company also said it’s removing data caps for consumer and small business Fios and DSL customers.
Verizon was one of several companies to sign on to the Federal Communications Commission’s Keep Americans Connected Pledge and this week, the company detailed some of the steps it’s taking. Beyond the extra data and data cap waivers, it’s also waiving overage and late fees for those financially affected by the virus. It’s also offering two months of free internet and voice service for customers of its Lifeline government-assistance program.
“We understand the hardships that many of our customers are facing, and we’re doing our part to ensure they have broadband internet connectivity during this unprecedented time,” Ronan Dunne, CEO of Verizon Consumer Group, said in the press release.
Beyond the plan updates, Verizon also updated operating hours for its retail stores. Stores will be closed on Sundays through April 12th, the company said, and hours during the rest of the week will be reduced, going from 11 am to 4 pm local time. Verizon said its store employees will also work to observe recommended social distancing guidelines to help improve safety. Beyond that, the company said the number of customers in its stores shouldn’t exceed the number of employees working at the time, so you may have to deal with longer wait times if you must go to a retail store.