In the wake of the earthquakes and tsunami in Japan, most telecommunication companies are offering free phone calls and text messages to Japan. The details for each company and plan vary, so read the details carefully to understand what your carrier is providing.
Of note, a post-paid mobile customer is one who receives a monthly bill for service. This is different than a prepaid customer who buys minutes in advance and does not have a monthly contract.
Your turn: Are you aware of other free services Americans can use to reach those in Japan?
AT&T Landline. Now through March 31 AT&T landline customers can get up to 60 free minutes of international calling to Japan. The free minutes will come in the form of a credit. When the customer receives their bill with the international charges, they need to call AT&T to request an adjustment.
AT&T Wireless. Now through March 31 international long distance usage from the United States and Puerto Rico to Japan, as well as text messages, originating from an AT&T wireless number will be free.
Comcast. Xfinity Voice and Business Class customers can make free calls to Japan from March 11 through April 10, 2011. Credits and waived fees will be automatic, and no action is required by customers. Comcast will cover fees for calls made to both landline and mobile phones.
Sprint Wireless. Sprint is waiving fees for wireless calls and text messages to and from Japan for post-paid Sprint wireless customers retroactively from March 11, running through April 10, 2011.
T-Mobile. Post-paid T-Mobile customers can make free calls and send free text messages to Japan now through March 31. T-Mobile is retroacting this promotion to March 11, so any calls or texts made between March 11 and March 31 will be free.
Verizon Landline. Verizon residential landline calls from the US to Japan will also be free until April 10th and that Verizon Prepaid Phone Card charges for US to Japan calls will be waived until April 10th.
Verizon Wireless. All Verizon Wireless post-paid customers will receive free calling to Japan from March 11 through April 10. In addition, Verizon Wireless post-paid customers in the U.S. will receive free text and multimedia messaging to Japan for the same time period.
Vonage. All calls to Japan from a US-based Vonage line are free through 7:30 pm CST on March 18.
Sources include Technology, Gadgets & Curiosities, Mashable, Yahoo! News, and T-Mobile
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Comcast Digital Voice is also offering free calls to Japan through April 10th for both “Xfinity voice” (digital voice) and business class customers. Charges will automatically be removed from your bill! This applies to calls made to both landlines and cell phones!