In the wake of Hurricane Melissa's devastating Category 5 landfall in Jamaica on October 28, 2025, Verizon has announced a series of measures to help customers maintain contact with loved ones in the affected regions. The telecommunications giant is waiving charges for international calls from its consumer and small business wireless and landline customers to Jamaica, Turks and Caicos, and the Bahamas. Additionally, customers within those areas will receive free calling, texting, and data roaming during the relief period.
The offer, effective from October 28 through November 12, 2025, applies to all consumer and small business customers with 50 lines or less, including prepaid brands such as Straight Talk, Tracfone, Total by Verizon, Simple Mobile, Safelink, Walmart Family Mobile, Net10, GoSmart, and Page Plus. Customers do not need to take any action to benefit; calls will be rated at $0.00 per minute automatically.
This initiative is part of Verizon's broader emergency response efforts, which are detailed on their Emergency Resource Center. The company has a history of providing similar support during natural disasters, recognizing the critical importance of communication in the aftermath of such events. By removing financial barriers to connectivity, Verizon aims to ease the burden on families and individuals trying to reach relatives or assess conditions in the impacted areas.
Hurricane Melissa, which made landfall as a Category 5 storm, has caused widespread destruction across Jamaica, with high winds, storm surges, and heavy rainfall leading to significant damage to infrastructure and homes. The storm is expected to continue affecting nearby islands, including Turks and Caicos and the Bahamas, which are also included in Verizon's relief offer. The ability to communicate with emergency services, insurance providers, and loved ones is vital during recovery, and Verizon's move ensures that customers can do so without worrying about excessive charges.
Verizon Communications Inc., headquartered in New York City, is one of the world's leading providers of technology and communications services. With revenues of $136.8 billion in 2023, the company operates award-winning networks and platforms, delivering data, video, and voice services globally. This relief effort underscores Verizon's commitment to supporting communities in crisis, leveraging its infrastructure and resources to provide essential connectivity when it is needed most.
