COVID-19

We’re All In This Together

Our nation is facing a new and uncertain challenge as we respond to COVID-19. For many members of our community, that has meant making major changes to the way we live and work.

Every day, we strive to ensure that Americans are connected to the best internet and entertainment experiences possible. During the COVID-19 crisis, we are here to help our community members adjust to a new way of life. That means clearing up confusions that may cause fear, providing tips and regular updates, and continuing to advocate for seamless connectivity, no matter who you are or where you live.

A Strong Network

Our country’s broadband infrastructure was built to withstand crises like COVID-19. In this time of increased reliance on home service and Wi-Fi hotspots, the internet is built to manage peaks in traffic and demand caused by consumers working and learning from home. In addition, America’s broadband providers are working around the clock to ensure networks continue to deliver a seamless experience during the pandemic.

Read more about the network’s resiliency.

Interested in a deep-dive on how broadband networks are performing in your state?  NCTA – The Internet & Television Association has developed a comprehensive dashboard using broadband provider data to demonstrate how America’s networks are holding-up nation-wide and state-by-state. The interactive dashboard lets your see how shifts are impacting your area.

Explore the Dashboard.

Keeping Consumers Connected

With COVID-19, more people are working at home and learning online. That means individuals and businesses are relying on the internet to stay connected and productive. America’s broadband leaders have signed on to the FCC’s #KeepAmericaConnected pledge during the COVID-19 outbreak, committing to:

1. No termination of serviceto any residential or small business customers because of their inability to pay their bills due to the disruptions caused by the coronavirus pandemic;
2. Waive any late feesthat any residential or small business customers incur because of their economic circumstances related to the coronavirus pandemic; and
3. Open its Wi-Fi hotspots to any American who needs them.

Learn more about efforts to keep America connected.

Broadband Access

Many internet service providers have also extended options for individuals and households to access high-speed internet. Several internet providers are making significant commitments beyond the FCC pledge including:

• Offering complementary internet service to qualifying low-income households.
• Expanding access programs for students and families with K-12 aged children who need to learn-from-home.
• Increasing speeds for low-income customers to 25 Mbps upstream and 3 Mbps downstream.

Tips and Technologies

As the COVID-19 situation evolves, Beyond is committed to sharing updates on everything from work-from-home tips to life-saving technologies. We’ll keep you, our community members, in the know so that you can respond and adjust accordingly. 

Here are a few helpful resources to start: 

• Good Digital Parenting While Staying at Home (FOSI) 
• 8 Tips To Make Working From Home Work for You (NPR)
• Home Network Tips for the Coronavirus Pandemic (FCC)