In the face of devastating wildfires ravaging parts of Los Angeles County, the major US mobile carriers have come together to provide relief to affected residents. AT&T, Verizon, and T-Mobile have announced measures to support their customers, including waiving fees, offering unlimited data and calling services, and deploying portable generators to maintain network connectivity.

Verizon is waiving call, text, and data usage incurred by prepaid and postpaid customers in the affected areas from January 9th to 18th. The company will automatically credit customers if they were billed for overages during this time. Additionally, Verizon is extending service end dates for customers using prepaid services until January 18th, 2025, and working with LA County officials to deploy portable generators and mitigate impacts for affected customers.

T-Mobile is offering unlimited talk, text, and data for T-Mobile and Assurance Wireless customers across Altadena, La Cañada Flintridge, Los Angeles, Palisades, Pasadena, and Sierra Madre from January 8th to 15th. The company's subsidiary, Mint Mobile, is increasing available data for users on 5GB, 15GB, and 20GB plans to 50GB through their current billing cycle, while Mint Unlimited customers in the area can use up to 2TB of high-speed data with no hotspot restrictions.

T-Mobile is also partnering with SpaceX's Starlink to temporarily deploy an "early test version" of its direct-to-cell satellite service, allowing people in affected areas to receive wireless emergency alerts and send SMS texts. The company is working to deploy and refuel portable generators to keep its network online.

AT&T, meanwhile, will waive overage charges for prepaid and postpaid customers affected by the wildfires through February 6th. The company notes that customers in parts of Los Angeles, Orange, Riverside, San Bernardino, San Diego, and Ventura counties may experience home phone and internet disruptions due to power outages in the area.

Along with continuously deploying and refueling generators, AT&T has dispatched its disaster response team to help keep its wireless and wireline communications up and running. Its FirstNet Response Operations Group, a team led by former first responders, has been deployed to support firefighters and other first responders on the front lines where they need connectivity the most.

In a separate but related effort, Starlink, a satellite internet provider, is offering free services to affected areas through February 10th. Residents impacted by the wildfires can access Starlink for free by placing an order through starlink.com/residential and choosing the "Disaster Relief" service plan. However, users still need to purchase a Starlink kit to access the free service. Customers who already use Starlink will receive a one-month service credit.

The collective response from the major mobile carriers and Starlink demonstrates a commitment to supporting those affected by the devastating wildfires in Los Angeles County. As the situation continues to unfold, these efforts will undoubtedly provide a lifeline to residents and first responders alike, ensuring they remain connected and informed during this critical time.