Pai Extends Keep Americans Connected Pledge Through June, Says Much of Industry on Board
FCC Chairman Ajit Pai wants ISPs to not cut off services to customers for an additional approximately month and a half, through June. He extended his Keep Americans Connected pledge until June 30, the agency announced Thursday.
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"Companies representing the vast majority of broadband and telephone subscriptions have already agreed to this extension," Pai said. Since the pledge began March 13, 700-plus broadband and phone service providers committed for 60 days to the pledge, the agency noted now. "Given our nation’s current situation, I’m urging these companies to extend these important offerings -- uninterrupted service, waiving of late fees, and continued availability of Wi-Fi hotspots."
AT&T, Charter Communications, Comcast, Cox, Midco, Verizon, T-Mobile and others had recently agreed to extend the no-cutoff period, amid COVID-19, as we reported. The FCC and major trade associations didn't say right away what other companies have since signed on.