Major U.S. internet firms agree not to cancel service over next 60 days

reuters.com ^ | March 13, 2020 | David Shepardson

[Berlin_Freeper]

The U.S. telecoms regulator said Friday that major internet providers - including Comcast Corp, AT&T Inc and Verizon Communications Inc - agreed not to terminate service for subscribers for the next 60 days if they are unable to pay their bills due to disruptions caused by the coronavirus.

[DarrellZero]

Republican response: whatever.

Democrat response: whee! free stuff!

[gloryblaze]

Best prepare to absorb the write-offs. Once behind in monthly bills, a certain percentage of folks will never, ever catch up.

[SamAdams76]

I don’t think they are making it free. Quite sure that consumers will be expected to pay for the service in arrears after the 60 days is up. Article mentioned waiving late fees only - not the service itself.

[null and void]

We're safe. OK, maybe not all of us, but the whippersnappers among us are...

Bring Out Your Dead

Post to me or FReep mail to be on/off the Bring Out Your Dead ping list.

The purpose of the “Bring Out Your Dead” ping list (formerly the “Ebola” ping list) is very early warning of emerging pandemics, as such it has a high false positive rate.

The false positive rate was 100%.

At some point we may well have a high mortality pandemic, and likely as not the “Bring Out Your Dead” threads will miss the beginning entirely.

*sigh* Such is life, and death...

If a quarantine saves just one child's or one old fart’s life, it's worth it.

[dp0622]

I’m a republican and if the monthly fee is forgiven i’m ALL IN.

If you have to make payment plans down the line then i’m not.

Why shouldn’t we take advantage of it? They’re not government run.

[Salamander]

Trying to figure how to work this, myself.

;)

[Meatspace]

Electric and water utilities are doing the same thing.

In a month, everything will be free.

From your water to your Corona testing in a nation of socialized medicine.

The economy is going to crash, perhaps worse than 1929.

[knarf]

[Paladin2]

“...not something that you just dump something on. It’s not a big truck. It’s a series of tubes.”

[dp0622]

LOL

[gloryblaze]

....Article mentioned waiving late fees only - not the service itself.

Thanks; you are correct. When reading, I somehow overlooked the word "late."

[pax_et_bonum]

You’re only as old as you think you are.

:-D

[George from New England]

Many of us have been lumped and con’ned into autopay. I will bet you the barn that autopay won’t just stop taking the money.

[Salamander]

But...but...I thought it was all made of webs?

[sanjuanbob]

The economy is going to crash, perhaps worse than 1929.
——————-
Do you really think so? My feeling is the country will rally and stabilize by summer, then to rebound like you’ve never seen before. So, Meathead, you’re a pessimist and I’m an optimist.

[Berlin_Freeper]

These 12 Famous Museums Offer Virtual Tours You Can Take on Your Couch

[Meatspace]

I was quite clear that if things such as internet service, water, electricity and Corona testing are all free, the economy will crash.

[McGruff]

Watch, this won't be enough for democrats up for election. Internetcare for all.

[frank ballenger]

If someone’s computer is locked up, under malware attack, broken down, being serviced——and they don’t have access to one at work, they say use the public library ones. Also people who cannot afford one go there.

BUT both cities near me announced all public libraries and branches are totally closed until further notice. Since yesterday at 6 pm.