TDS consumer options following expiration of FCC Keep Americans Connected pledge

TDS Telecom (TDS^®) is announcing additional measures to assist customers experiencing financial challenges resulting from the pandemic. The moves come in anticipation of the June 30, 2020 expiration of the Federal Communications Commission’s (FCC) Keep Americans Connected Program.

Specifically, TDS is taking the following actions:

• Customers who received 60 days of free internet service will also receive a $10 credit off their bill for their next six months of service.
• Offering programs, including payment plans, across most service areas. These are specifically designed to assist those with long-term financial challenges while keeping them connected.

Customers can reach TDS’s financial services team by calling 1-888-225-5837. Representatives for both residential and businesses services are available Monday through Friday.

“At TDS we understand the vital role communication technologies like internet and phone service play in how we live and work today,” says Andrew Petersen, senior vice president of Corporate Affairs for TDS. “We value all of our customers but know many have endured significant financial challenges because of COVID-19. We remain committed to using our processes and policies to help keep all customers connected.”

TDS signed the FCC pledge in March which was then extended until the end of June. In addition to adopting the tenets of that program which suspended all late fees, service disconnections, and made available public Wi-Fi Hot Spots wherever available in TDS territories, TDS also proactively offered 60 days of free internet service to certain new customers most in need of connectivity.