AT&T, Sprint waive overage fees for Oklahoma tornado victims
The carriers will forgo overage charges for voice, data, and texting for those affected by Monday's devastating tornado.
AT&T is trying to do its part to help victims of the Oklahoma's massive tornado.
The carrier will bring in extra telecommunications resources to the affected area and will waive overage charges for affected customers through June 30.
"Our thoughts and prayers are with those affected by the tornado," the company said Tuesday. "We are coordinating with local authorities and bringing in additional resources. We recommend text messaging for communications with family, friends, and loved ones given heavy call volumes."
AT&T subscribers who want to aid the Red Cross in its efforts to assist victims can text REDCROSS to 90999. A $10 donation will be added to their monthly AT&T bill.
Sprint Nextel is also helping out.
A Sprint spokeswoman told CNET that the carrier is proactively waiving late fees, overage charges for voice, text, and data, and roaming fees for all Sprint services until June 30 in the affected area. The company is also offering discounts on chargers to affected Oklahoma residents who need to charge their mobile phones.
A spokesman for T-Mobile sent CNET the following statement detailing its response to the tragedy.
Our thoughts are with those affected by the tragic storm in Moore, Oklahoma, and throughout the metro Oklahoma City area. Our network is more than 97 percent operational in the affected area, and we are making steady improvements with a small cluster of cell sites that was damaged more than others. T-Mobile engineers are moving equipment into the area, including Cell-on-Wheels (COWs) and microwave backhaul solutions. Our customers can support the Red Cross relief efforts by texting REDCROSS to 90999 to give $10. The donation will be charged on their T-Mobile bill.
Creating winds up to 200 miles per hour, the monster tornado ravaged the suburbs of Oklahoma City on Monday, damaging or destroying scores of homes and businesses -- as well as two elementary schools . At least 51 people were killed, including 20 children, CBS reported Tuesday. More than 230 people were injured. The death and injury counts are expected to rise.
Updated at 7:25 a.m. PT with information from Sprint and at 9:39 a.m. PT with information from T-Mobile.