As the coronavirus pandemic continues to wreak havoc around the world, AT&T Inc. is rolling out more aggressive initiatives - and this means less access to its retail outlets.
The company said in a Saturday update that several stores would remain open to support first responders, emergency personnel, government users and customers. The target, where possible, is to keep a brick-and-mortar open in cities within a radius of 20 miles, and in rural areas within a radius of 30 miles.
The business must maintain at least one retail location open within 20 miles of urban and suburban areas, and just more than 30 miles of rural areas where possible. In this connection, the company will further limit the number of customers who can be at its location to promote social distancing.
Starting Saturday, customers with TV service through DIRECTV or U-verse can receive 50 free channels ranging from news networks to premium channel previews rotating, starting with Showtime now until March 26.
According to a statement, the company has seen a 25 percent rise in telephone calls as more people get in touch with family and friends. AT&T has changed the way it handles procedures, as it navigates the coronavirus consequences and concerns.
AT&T is a large organization of more than 240,000 workers that also offers vital connectivity to the nation as more people operate from home and the hospitals and first responders continue to need secure connections.
The company informed consumers that its wireless and wired networks are being maintained securely amid rising demand and currently suspended its data limits for all broadband internet wireline consumers as well as fixed wireless internet.
As AT&T pulls back on store services, six new "command centers" have been announced to allow accelerated delivery of increased bandwidth, new circuits, and unified communication. For instance, one of those distribution centers focuses on the core network while another handles basic consumer needs.
The latest changes follow a Friday announcement that the company is extending its service "Access from AT&T," which provides $10-per-month internet connectivity to all households involved in the National School Lunch and Head Start program. The firm has also launched a $10 million fund for distance learning and family relations.
The organization is also doubling the number of hours for paid, excused time off for its workers to a total of up to 160 hours. Staff receiving this aid include those at greater risk of the virus due to underlying health problems and parents or guardians of children whose schools or day care facilities have been closed and no alternatives are available.
