On Wednesday, the FCC launched the “Keep Americans Connected Pledge,” targeting both financial and communication-related burdens on Americans caused by the COVID-19 outbreak, and the closure policies being implemented nationwide.

It appears that most major carriers are honoring the primary features of the pledge. In addition, we found the following offerings from carriers within our region.

Xfinity

Xfinity WiFi hotspots across the country will be available to anyone who needs them for free – including non-Xfinity Internet subscribers. Click here and enter zip code for a map of Xfinity WiFi hotspots in Lexington and Rockbridge County.

T-Mobile

T-Mobile is offering unlimited data to all T-Mobile and Metro by T-Mobile customers for the next 60 days, as well as providing an extra 20 GB of mobile hotspot data for those customers.

Verizon

As of this post, the carrier has not officially announced plans to suspend data caps to customers without unlimited data plans. Their focus has been on expanding data to their Innovative Learning Program for schools.

Sprint

Starting March 19, the carrier is offering free unlimited data for 60 days to all customers currently on any data plan, plus an additional 20 GB of mobile hotspot data to their customers.

BARC Connects

BARC is waiving broadband service disconnects and penalty fees for residential consumers at this time.

CenturyLink

CenturyLink is suspending data usage limits for customers for the next 60 days.

Requesting a Mobile Hotspot (Mifi)

Requests for Mifi devices provided by ITS are to be sent to Dana Camper via email via ( dcamper@wlu.edu ).

The following Business Office policy applies: If you have requested a mobile hotspot (e.g. Verizon Mifi) from ITS and one it not available, the University will reimbursement for those services if your phone carrier charges extra to turn your phone into a hotspot. Reimbursement will require the usual approval of your department or program head and a copy of the email from ITS that a University device was not available . However, if you purchase a device, the reimbursement will only pertain to the services not the device. If a device is able to be rented, the rental fee will be reimbursed. However, this reimbursement is only for the period the University does not allow off-campus visitors which is currently April 18.