Verizon has implemented emergency communication measures in response to Hurricane Melissa's Category 5 landfall in Jamaica, waiving all charges for international calls from consumer and small business wireless and landline customers to Jamaica, Turks and Caicos, and the Bahamas through November 12, 2025. The relief measures extend beyond standard calling services, with customers currently located within the hurricane-impacted regions of those countries receiving free calling, texting, and data roaming services during the same period. This comprehensive approach ensures that both those trying to reach loved ones in affected areas and those within the disaster zones can communicate without financial barriers during a critical time.
The offer applies broadly across Verizon's customer base, including all consumer accounts and small business customers with 50 lines or fewer. Additionally, customers of Verizon-owned prepaid brands including Straight Talk, Tracfone, Total by Verizon, Simple Mobile, Safelink, Walmart Family Mobile, Net10, GoSmart, and Page Plus are included in the relief program. Customers do not need to take any action to activate these benefits, as calls will automatically be rated at zero dollars per minute, removing administrative hurdles during an emergency situation.
The timing of these measures corresponds with the immediate aftermath and early recovery phase following Hurricane Melissa's catastrophic impact. The free services began on October 28 and will remain in effect through November 12, 2025, providing a critical communication window during what is typically the most challenging period following a major natural disaster. For additional information about Verizon's emergency response efforts, customers can visit the company's Emergency Resource Center.
Such communication relief efforts have become increasingly important components of disaster response, enabling families to verify safety, coordinate assistance, and maintain emotional connections during times of crisis. The inclusion of both postpaid and prepaid customers ensures that financial circumstances don't prevent anyone from accessing vital communication channels when they're needed most. This initiative represents a significant corporate response to humanitarian need, addressing both practical communication requirements and the psychological importance of maintaining connections during disaster recovery periods when infrastructure may be compromised and traditional communication methods disrupted.
