WASHINGTON — The Federal Communications Commission announced that 774 broadband and telephone providers have taken the Keep Americans Connected Pledge and extended that commitment through June 30. Last month, Chairman Pai announced he was extending the Pledge, originally set to expire on May 12, to June 30. And since that announcement, the number of companies covered by the Pledge has actually increased rather than decreased, as more companies have signed onto the Pledge for the first time than declined to extend it.

By taking the Pledge, each of these companies has committed through June 30 to (1) 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; (2) waive any late fees that any residential or small business customers incur because of their economic circumstances related to the coronavirus pandemic; and (3) open its Wi-Fi hotspots to any American who needs them.

The FCC encourages consumers to contact their service provider directly to make them aware of their specific circumstances and to discuss options.  Consumers can also visit consumercomplaints.fcc.gov.  For more information on Chairman Pai’s Keep Americans Connected Initiative, visit www.fcc.gov/keepamericansconnected, which includes a list of all the providers that have extended their commitment to the Keep Americans Connected Pledge. For updates on the FCC’s wide array of actions to keep consumers connected during the coronavirus pandemic, visit www.fcc.gov/coronavirus.