In the face of ongoing wildfires devastating Southern California, Verizon is responding with a compassionate initiative to support affected communities. The telecommunications giant has announced that its prepaid brands, including Straight Talk, Tracfone, Total Wireless, Simple Mobile, Walmart Family Mobile, Net10, GoSmart, and Page Plus, will extend service end dates until January 18, 2025, for customers residing in impacted areas. To further assist, Verizon will waive all domestic calling, texting, and data fees for prepaid users on metered plans throughout this critical period.
“Our hearts go out to everyone affected by the devastating wildfires in Pacific Palisades, Pasadena, and surrounding areas. We understand how essential it is to stay connected during emergencies like these, and we are fully committed to supporting these communities, first responders, and our customers in every way possible. We stand with you in this challenging time and will continue working tirelessly to ensure reliable communication remains a lifeline for those in need,” commented Steven Keller, Verizon’s Pacific Market President, in January 2025.
Customers don’t need to take any action to benefit from these waived fees, as all applicable charges will be automatically credited back to accounts for those whose billing cycles have already concluded. Along with providing unlimited calls, texts, and data at no cost, Verizon has also established free Wi-Fi and charging stations at key locations, including:
- Westwood Recreation Center | 1350 S. Sepulveda, Los Angeles 90025
- El Camino Real Charter High School | 5440 Valley Circle Blvd, Woodland Hills, CA 91367
- Oxnard College | 4000 S Rose Avenue, Oxnard, CA 93033
In times of crisis such as these, maintaining connection is vital for checking in with loved ones, reaching out to friends, or contacting authorities for assistance. It’s heartening to witness carriers stepping up to provide relief when it’s most needed.
