Verizon (VZ 0.90%) says it is committed to helping people stay connected during the coronavirus pandemic. In furtherance of that commitment, the company allocating 15 gigabytes of 4G LTE data to each of its wireless customers free of charge through the end of April.

Customers don't have to do anything to receive the extra bandwidth. The benefit is open to both consumers and small businesses, regardless of whether you're a prepaid or have a phone plan. The extra amount of data will be added to your plan and can be used for smartphones, hotspots, or other connected device usage. 

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Verizon's consumer group CEO Ronan Dunne said in a statement that while Fios and DSL broadband customers already don't have a data cap, "we recognize there are many who may need additional connectivity during these trying times. We're here for you and we'll make sure you have what you need to stay connected."

The telecom is also extending other assistance to customers who may be facing financial difficulties including:

  • waiving late fees and overage charges
  • waiving the next two billing cycles for Lifeline customers, a government assistance program for low-income customers
  • free international calling to Centers for Disease Control Level 3 countries, a warning level that instructs citizens to avoid all non-essential travel to those countries, which currently includes China, Iran, Italy, and South Korea.

Other carriers are also assisting consumers in staying connected. T-Mobile (TMUS 0.92%) has accelerated the rollout of a new $15 5G plan and AT&T (T 1.10%) has expanded its new low-cost plan to more households.