Broadband Initiatives for Cities and Residents
As the United States continues to deal with the COVID-19 pandemic, K-12 schools and universities have been closed and many people are working from home. As the pandemic has progressed, there has been a light shone on the digital divide. Many people do not the resources at home to do schoolwork, regular work, or partake in telemedicine. To help try to address this, FCC Chairman Ajit Pai launched the Keep Americans Connected Pledge which challenged broadband and telephone providers to:
- Not terminate service to any residential or small business customers because of their inability to pay their bills due to the disruptions caused by the coronavirus pandemic;
- Waive any late fees that any residential or small business customers incur because of their economic circumstances related to the coronavirus pandemic; and
- Open Wi-Fi hotspots to any American who needs them.
Many of the Oregon-based providers and national providers have signed onto this pledge and are providing different low-cost options for low-income families and community members as well.
Oregon Based Providers
Reach out to your local internet service provider to see what they are doing in your area to increase connectivity.
National Providers
Non-Wireless Providers
Comcast
In addition to taking Chairman Pai’s pledge, Xfinity WiFi hotspots located in businesses and outdoor locations across the country will be available to anyone who needs them for free – including non-Xfinity Internet subscribers. Low-income families who live in a Comcast service area to sign-up for Internet Essentials, the nation’s largest and most comprehensive broadband adoption program. New customers will receive 60 days of complimentary Internet Essentials service, which is normally available to all qualified low-income households for $9.95/month See more COVID-19 initiatives from Comcast
Charter
In addition to taking Chairman Pai’s pledge, Charter will offer free Spectrum broadband and Wi-Fi access for 60 days to households with a K-12 student or college student who do not already have a Spectrum broadband subscription. Installation fees will be waived for new student households as well.
Wireless Providers
Mobile internet connections, typically provided by the wireless industry, tend to be more popular amongst low-income families and more rural/remote residents. The FCC has granted many of the wireless providers, including AT&T, T-Mobile and Verizon, permission to use additional spectrum to aid in meeting increased demand for mobile broadband across the country during the COVID-19 pandemic. The providers below have signed on to Chairman Pai’s pledge to help consumers and residents, but also have hotspot technology that may be useful to cities in need of mobile internet connections for public safety, employees or residents. Information for these providers’ government section contact is also below.
Verizon
Oregon Contacts:
Rick Woidlya
rick.woidyla@verizon.com
971-806-7150
Colleen DeShazer
colleen.deshazer@verizonwireless.com
AT&T
Oregon Contact:
George Granger
GG5961@att.com
510-326-8903
T-Mobile
Oregon Contact:
Carl Done
Carl.Done@T-Mobile.com
425-281-6282