Table of Contents
The ongoing wildfire crisis in Southern California has caused devastation across numerous communities. In response, major cellular providers, including Verizon, AT&T, and T-Mobile, are stepping up to help affected residents stay connected during this challenging time. Here is an overview of the initiatives and support measures these companies are implementing to ensure reliable communication and provide relief to those impacted by the wildfires.
Verizon Wireless Reacts to the Wildfire Crisis
Relief for Customers
Verizon is waiving domestic call, text, and data usage fees incurred between January 9 and January 18, 2025, for prepaid and postpaid consumer and small business customers in the hardest-hit areas. This includes residents in the following counties:
- Los Angeles
- Orange
- Riverside
- San Bernardino
- San Diego
- Ventura
Customers affected by the wildfire crisis need not take any action to benefit from these waivers; any applicable charges will be automatically credited. For prepaid customers using Verizon’s other brands, such as Straight Talk, Tracfone, and Total Wireless, Verizon is extending service end dates to January 18, 2025.
Network Support
Verizon’s engineers are actively working to maintain service by deploying portable generators and other backup power solutions to minimize outages caused by wildfire-related power shutoffs. The company’s network includes robust redundancy measures, and a fleet of over 550 mobile assets, including drones and satellite-based technologies, ensures continuous connectivity even in the most challenging conditions.
Community Assistance
To further support the community, Verizon has set up free Wi-Fi and charging stations at these locations:
- Westwood Recreation Center, Los Angeles
- El Camino Real Charter High School, Woodland Hills
- Oxnard College, Oxnard
Additionally, the Verizon Frontline Crisis Response Team is aiding first responders by providing mission-critical voice and data solutions.
AT&T Focuses Efforts on Those Affected by Wildfires
Fee Waivers for Customers
AT&T is waiving overage charges to provide unlimited talk, text, and data for postpaid and prepaid wireless customers in impacted zip codes from January 8 through February 6, 2025. Customers do not need to contact AT&T to activate these waivers; they will be applied automatically.
For residential and business wireline customers, AT&T is offering waivers on several charges, including:
- Activation fees for call forwarding services
- Installation fees at temporary or new permanent locations
- Charges for jacks and wiring upon return to permanent locations
Restoration and Support
AT&T is focused on maintaining connectivity and has bolstered its efforts to assist customers and businesses in relocating their services due to evacuation or property loss. The company is also working closely with local agencies to address infrastructure damage and restore connectivity promptly.
T-Mobile Helps During Wildfire Crisis
Unlimited Services
T-Mobile is providing unlimited talk, text, and data to customers who do not already have such plans. This applies to T-Mobile, Metro by T-Mobile, and Assurance Wireless users in cities such as Altadena, La Cañada Flintridge, Los Angeles, and Pasadena from January 8 through January 15, 2025.
Emergency Support
T-Mobile has mobilized relief supplies, including Wi-Fi hotspots and charging packs, and is coordinating efforts with FEMA, Cal Fire, and other emergency agencies. The company’s emergency response teams are working to ensure first responders have the connectivity they need to manage wildfire containment and evacuation operations.
Network Resilience
T-Mobile’s network resilience efforts include deploying nearly 200 portable generators and leveraging advanced AI technologies to enhance signal strength and reduce congestion. These measures are critical for maintaining reliable service during power outages and rapidly changing wildfire conditions.
Support for First Responders
All three carriers are actively supporting first responders through specialized programs and emergency services. Verizon’s Frontline Crisis Response Team, AT&T’s dedicated communication solutions, and T-Mobile’s Wireless Priority Service ensure that first responders can perform their critical duties without disruption.
Conclusion: A Lifeline for Southern California
In the face of Southern California’s wildfire crisis, Verizon, AT&T, and T-Mobile are going above and beyond to support their customers and communities. From fee waivers and extended service dates to providing free Wi-Fi, charging stations, and robust network resilience, these initiatives underscore the importance of connectivity during emergencies. As these companies continue to work closely with local and federal agencies, their efforts provide a vital lifeline for those affected by these devastating events.
