Hurricane Helene Ready

By: Diana Davis
Writer - Communications

Verizon is on the scene. Plus, planting trees and more news you may have missed this week.

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September 26, 5 pm ET Update: Verizon is waiving domestic call, text, and data usage for postpaid consumer, small business customers,* and Verizon Prepaid customers impacted by the storm in parts of Florida and Georgia from Sept. 26-Oct. 5, 2024.

For prepaid customers using Straight Talk, Tracfone, Total Wireless, Simple Mobile, Walmart Family Mobile, Net10, GoSmart, and Page Plus, we are extending service end dates to Oct. 5, 2024.

Read more about our relief here.

Staying prepared: Hurricane Helene

As Hurricane Helene approaches, our V Team is ready to keep communities, businesses and first responders connected during the storm. We prepare year-round for events like this, through ongoing drills, infrastructure strengthening and rapid response mobilization. Here’s what we’re bringing to the table to provide relief and connectivity during and following the storm:

  • 550 portable network assets
  • 300 satellite-based units
  • 1,000 mobile generators

And, our Verizon Frontline Crisis Response Team, which includes many former first responders and military personnel, is also on standby to support public safety agencies.

We caught up with Jhonathan Montenegro, Associate Director of Network Engineering in Florida, and Matthew Tuck, Senior Director of Network Operations in Georgia, to hear the latest on our network preparations.

Want to lend a hand?…

Support the VtoV Employee Relief Fund.

Now's the perfect time to back our VtoV Employee Relief Fund—where every donation directly supports V Teamers impacted by natural disasters. Powered by employee contributions and the Verizon Foundation's matching program, this fund provides grants for essentials like food, shelter and clothing to those displaced from their homes as a result of floods, fires, tornadoes, hurricanes or domestic violence. There are several ways for you to donate. Check them out below:

  • Payroll deduction: Set up a small, recurring donation from each paycheck.
  • Credit card: Make a one-time or recurring donation.
  • Matching gifts: Double your impact with Verizon's matching gift program.
  • Verizon gear: Purchase Verizon merchandise, with proceeds going to VtoV.
  • Gift card balance: Donate any remaining gift card balances.

Want even more reasons to join? Take a look at how the VtoV Fund has helped V Teamers Jasmine Brown, Barrenthia Journet, and Byron Washington during their times of need.

Resources to be prepared and provide assistance

Spring Health offers support and resources to help V Teamers in the path of the storm prepare and navigate the challenges that may arise. Check out these Disaster Resources: Florida Hurricane Resource Guide, Southeast Regional Resources and Gulf Coast Rapid Response Resources. Taking advantage of these resources and services can be a crucial step in ensuring your safety and peace of mind. Now is a great time to activate your membership with Spring Health, if you haven’t done so already. Visit verizon.springhealth.com or reach out to 1-888-441-8674 (select option 2 for 24/7 crisis support.)

ICYMI:Big news reminders!

FIFA World Cup Partnership

Verizon is now the Official Telecommunications Services Sponsor for the FIFA World Cup 2026 and the Official Tournament Supporter for the FIFA Women’s World Cup 2027!

We’re all in to keep fans, players and visitors connected across stadiums, communities and cities. Stay tuned to Up To Speed for more updates, ticket giveaways and exclusive perks.

For more information, check out all of the details here.

The EDISON Alliance crushes its 1 Billion Lives goal.

The EDISON Alliance, co-founded by Verizon and the World Economic Forum in 2021, just smashed its 1 Billion Lives Challenge goal — a year ahead of schedule! That’s right, by delivering digital services in education, healthcare and finance, we’ve improved a billion lives worldwide.

A huge shoutout to Verizon Innovative Learning for playing a major role, bringing technology, connectivity and education programs to nearly 8 million U.S. students since 2012. This milestone is proof of our commitment to building a brighter, more connected future.

Wrapping up Climate Week with action

We're closing out Climate Week by doubling-down on our commitment to sustainability, with initiatives like tree planting in NYC. Let's keep up the momentum and push for a greener future.

Tell us what you think of Up To Speed.

V Team, go to Inside Verizon Intranet to join the conversation

About the author:

Diana Davis is a writer who started as a baker who didn’t bake, a dental assistant to the dental assistant and a shoe saleswoman who gagged around feet. Since then, she’s been paid to write all kinds of stuff for all kinds of companies in all kinds of offices… but none as cool as Verizon.

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