Verizon’s Southern California wildfire response​​ 

1.9.25 Update​​ 

What you need to know:​​ 

• Verizon is waiving domestic call/text/data usage incurred Jan. 9 - Jan. 18 for prepaid and postpaid consumer and small business customers* in Los Angeles, Orange, Riverside, San Bernardino, San Diego and Ventura counties​​ 

IRVINE, C.A. - In response to the devastating windstorm and wildfires across Southern California, Verizon is waiving prepaid and postpaid call/text/data usage incurred from January 9 - January 18, for California’s residents in Los Angeles, Orange, Riverside, San Bernardino, San Diego and Ventura counties. This will bring relief to the thousands of consumer and small business customers* who rely on their mobile devices now more than ever.​​ 

Verizon’s prepaid brands, including Straight Talk, Tracfone, Total Wireless, Simple Mobile, Walmart Family Mobile, Net10, GoSmart, and Page Plus are extending service end dates to January 18, 2025 for customers in the impacted counties. Verizon will also waive domestic call, text, and data usage for Verizon Prepaid users on metered plans.​​ 

Customers do not have to take any action for these usage charges to be waived and customers whose bill cycles have already closed will have such charges automatically credited back.​​ 

This offer extends to all postpaid consumer and Verizon Small Business customers in the affected counties. No action is needed— overages will be automatically credited.​​ 

Wildfire conditions and Public Safety Power Shutoffs in the Los Angeles area have caused service interruptions for some customers. Our engineers are working quickly and safely, coordinating with local public agencies to aggressively deploy portable generators and mitigate impacts for those customers affected across the area.​​ 

*Verizon small business customers include customers with 50 lines or less.​​ 

IRVINE, C.A. - The powerful windstorm in Southern California has sparked multiple fires, including the Palisades, Eaton, Hurst, and Woodley fires. In response, Verizon remains committed to maintaining the safety and connectivity of communities, businesses, and first responders in these areas and throughout Southern California. To support these communities, Verizon will be offering customers in the hardest hit areas unlimited call/text/data to help them focus on what matters most - ensuring the safety of their family. More details about this relief will be available in the coming days.​​ 

In addition, Verizon has deployed free Wi-Fi and charging stations for public use in several locations throughout the community:​​ 

"Our hearts go out to everyone affected by the devastating wildfires in Pacific Palisades, Pasadena, and surrounding areas,” said Steven Keller, Verizon’s Pacific Market President. “We understand how critical it is to stay connected during emergencies like these, and we are fully committed to supporting these communities, first responders, and our customers in every way possible. We stand with you in this challenging time and will continue working tirelessly to ensure reliable communication remains a lifeline for those in need."​​ 

Wildfire conditions and Public Safety Power Shutoffs in the Los Angeles area have caused service interruptions for some customers. Our engineers are working quickly and safely, coordinating with local public agencies to coordinate support and mitigate impacts for those customers affected across the area.​​ 

Verizon’s network infrastructure includes extensive redundancy measures and backup power solutions across critical sites to ensure minimal service impacts. Its fleet of over 550 mobile assets, including drone and aerial technologies, is ready to rapidly deploy and deliver essential connectivity. This capability is complemented by Verizon’s use of nearly 300 satellite-based assets, ensuring reliable communication even when traditional infrastructures are compromised.​​