AT&T to temporarily unlock broadband data limits

AT&T is suspending download limits for its broadband services as part of its response to the COVID-19 pandemic. These limits are being lifted as a group of seventeen (17) US Senators has called on the major telecom operators to take similar actions. This call is to ensure that persons and organisations are not penalised whilst adhering to the CDC guidelines around social distancing. Comcast has implemented a related measure for helping low income families to sign up for their Internet Essentials services without a long-term contract or the need for a credit check or router shipping fees. These actions follow Italian telcos who have lifted restrictions on mobile and broadband services in impacted areas of the country. It is expected that telecommunication networks will be tested in ways that have not been experienced before with this significant demand and the resilience of these networks will be tested.