Net companies offer free Wi-Fi as US goes online for work, education amid corona outbreak
16 March, 2020
US internet and wireless providers have announced momentary measures to create getting online less costly and onerous as enforced social distancing as a result of new coronavirus forces more human interaction online.
Perhaps most obviously is Comcast's free public Wi-Fi for all for 60 days, effective Saturday. Major urban centers are thick with Comcast's Xfinity-branded hotspots.
"I don't get to say this often: Bravo Comcast!" tweeted Alex Stamos, a Stanford University internet security expert.
Home-based Xfinity hotspots aren't included, said Comcast spokesman Joel Shadle, but Wi-Fi access points in public areas locations and at smaller businesses are.
AT&T and Charter Communications also announced free public Wi-Fi for 60 days, with Charter offering free broadband for households with students through college age who don't curently have a subscription.
Verizon was among the countless providers to also announce a moratorium on late service fees and disconnections.
T-Mobile announced that it could provide unlimited smartphone data to all or any current subscribers and improve the data allowance to schools and students using their digital learning programs.
Cox said it would increase speeds on low-cost broadband plans and Sprint said it could give subscribers unlimited data for 60 days, among other changes. Comcast and AT&T also temporarily lifted data caps.
The announcements followed a plea Thursday to internet providers by Sen. Mark Warner of Virginia and 17 other colleagues in the Senate.
Source: www.deccanchronicle.com