Voice Calls to Japan Free on AT&T and Vonage

AT&T and Vonage have recently announced that they will offer free calling to Japan until March 31 and March 18, respectively.

Following the last week's tragic earthquake and subsequent tsunami, both companies have decided to offer their customers the possibility to connect with their friends and families in Japan without being charged.

“We care deeply about our customers and want to ensure they can reach their loved ones in the aftermath of this horrific natural disaster,” said Marc Lefar, chief executive officer of Vonage. “Our thoughts and prayers go out to everyone impacted by the earthquake in Japan and we hope this helps keep friends and family connected at this time of great need.”

AT&T said that it had implemented international calling and texting support efforts for U.S. residential wireless and wireline consumers who wish to call their loved ones in Japan, since last week.

The carrier's limited time offer includes international long-distance usage from the United States and Puerto Rico to Japan, as well as text messages to Japan, originated from a U.S. wireless number.

Additionally, effective March 11 through March 31, residential wireline customers can seek credits for up to 60 minutes of direct dial calling to Japan upon receiving their wireline bill. Also, customers may call AT&T to receive adjusted calling for up to 60 minutes.

According to AT&T, none of the above activity will be charged or customers will see a full credit applied to their statement for activity between March 11 and March 31.

“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.”

AT&T customers who wish to make a $10 donation to help the Red Cross with disaster support efforts in Japan must text “redcross” to 90999. Of course, there's no additional charge for the message.