Verizon has announced that they will be waiving all calling fees for wireless and residential long-distance customers who are trying to reach those in Haiti until the end of the January.
Verizon Wireless customers with contracts or monthly bills in the United States will be able to make calls to friends or loved ones currently located in Haiti free of long distance charges. Customers who are currently in Haiti will also not be charged on any phone calls made to the United States. These calls will be rated at $0.00 per minute, with customers receiving a credit in future billing statements for any charges related to calls made to Haiti since January 12.
"Communicating and connecting families is essential to what our business stands for, and who we are. During this major relief effort as communication systems are starting to come back on line, we understand the importance of being in touch with the people who matter most,” said Dan Mead, chief operating officer of Verizon Wireless.
In addition, Verizon is also waiving all long-distance fees on calls made to Haiti from a residential landline until the end of the month.
Verizon Wireless customers can help the American Red Cross’ relief efforts in Haiti by texting “HAITI” to 90999, which will donate $10 (which is added to customers" monthly bill). All text message fees are waived, and 100 percent of the donated amount goes to the Red Cross. Verizon customers have already pledged over $6 million dollars to relief efforts via text messaging.