Southern California is battling a series of wildfires, with flames sweeping through the region and keeping emergency crews on high alert as they work tirelessly to extinguish them. In the midst of this ongoing crisis, phone companies love AT&T is offering some relief during these difficult times.

The company is giving postpaid and prepaid users a break by waiving excess fees and allowing unlimited use of calls, texts, and data until February 6, 2025. The carrier is also waiving certain fees (though it hasn’t specified those fees) for any residential or business requests Wired has been offered until January 7, 2026, giving a little respite to those trying to get back on their feet.

Moreover, AT&T Lends a helping hand to firefighters and first responders battling fires by deploying mobile assets from the FirstNet fleet, ensuring they have reliable connectivity where it’s needed most.

FirstNet, which stands for First Responder Network Authority, is a private communications network designed specifically for emergency crews. Its mission is to ensure that first responders have reliable, secure and fast communications during emergency situations, especially when normal networks are overloaded or down.

A FirstNet satellite cell on light truck (SatCOLT) provides emergency communications in the Palisades Wildfire. | Image credit – AT&T

A key resource in this network is mobile units from the FirstNet fleet, such as a Cell on Wheels (COWs) or a Satellite Cell on a Light Truck (SatCOLT). They are mobile towers mounted on trucks or trailers, and can be quickly set up to provide much-needed cellular coverage in areas that have lost service.

We are continuously deploying and refueling generators to provide continuity of service to our customers until commercial power is restored, and have established storage yards across the region, equipped with additional grid assets and generators.

– AT&TJanuary 2025

In addition to all that, AT&TOur dedicated weather team constantly monitors weather patterns to ensure timely updates are provided. As soon as the situation allows, the carrier plans to continue sending assistance to areas that need it most. But, hopefully, the fires will soon be under control, and these additional resources will never be necessary.