AT&T offering free calling to Japan for wireless customers

AT&T just released a press release that has a real feel good vibe to it. They’ve gotten flack recently because of their tiered pricing and what some consumers consider price gouging both on the Wireless and Cable side of their businesses, but it’s good to see they still have a heart.
AT&T has announced they have implemented international calling and texting support efforts for U.S. residential wireless and residential consumers trying to connect with loved ones in Japan, following last week’s tragic earthquake and tsunami.

Effective beginning last week, March 11, and continuing through March 31, AT&T wireless postpaid customers will not be charged for:
• International long distance usage from the United States and Puerto Rico to Japan
• Text messages to Japan, originated from a U.S. wireless number
In addition, and also effective March 11 through March 31, residential customers can seek credits for up to 60 minutes of direct dial calling to Japan:
• Upon receiving their wireline bill, customers may call AT&T to receive adjusted calling for up to 60 minutes. In other words, no charges for up to 60 minutes of call time from the United States to Japan between March 11 and March 31.

To sum up the release you won’t be paying long distance to call Japan (although you’ll still be charged your normal air time) and if you want to call on a hard time (your non-cellular phone, for those that still have them) AT&T will refund up to 60 minutes of call time.

“We want to help our customers connect with loved ones in Japan in any way we can,” said Mark Collins, senior vice president, Voice and Data Products, AT&T Mobility and Consumer Markets. “Connecting with family and friends is most important at times like this- we want to make it as easy and worry free as possible for our customers.”

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