774 Providers Extend No-Disconnections Pledge Through June 30, FCC Says

Seven hundred seventy-four broadband and phone providers extended their Keep Americans Connected pledge through June 30, the FCC said Thursday. The agency said Chairman Ajit Pai's requested extension (see 2004300044) resulted in more companies signing up for KAC than declining to extend previous commitments. The extensions "will help ensure that Americans can continue to communicate with loved ones, access education, and get healthcare remotely as they practice social distancing," Pai said. Under KAC, providers agree not to end service due to bill nonpayment caused by the pandemic, waive any pandemic-caused late fees and open their Wi-Fi hot spots to the public. ACA Connects President Matt Polka said its members "have been looking out for their customers and communities long before COVID-19, and all of them will continue to do so long afterward," and the association reaffirmed its endorsement of the pledge through the extension. Bad debt costs associated with KAC are growing, with telecoms setting up reserves of hundreds of millions of dollars in anticipation (see 2005120017).