Range Companies, FCC, Pledge to Keep America Connected

Forsyth, MT - In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, and the challenges that many Americans will face in the coming months, FCC Chairman Ajit Pai recently announced the Keep Americans Connected Initiative. This ensures that Americans do not lose their broadband or telephone connectivity as a result of these exceptional circumstances, Pai specifically asked broadband and telephone service providers, and trade associations, to take the Pledge. The Range Companies - Range Telephone Cooperative, Inc., RT Communications, Inc., Dubois Telephone Exchange, Inc. and Advanced Communications Technology, Inc. - are proud to be among those service providers who have pledged to Keep Americans Connected. 

"We deeply care about the communities we serve and know the importance of providing communication services during this difficult time" said Rob Johnstone, CEO of Range. "We were quick to make this decision and pledge to keep our customers connected for the next 60 days. We are monitoring this fluid situation and will do all we can to help our communities." 

In conjuncture with The Keep Americans Connected Pledge, for the next 60 days, the Range Companies will: 

1. Not terminate service to any residential or small business customers because of their inability to pay their bills due to the disruptions caused by the coronavirus pandemic. 

2. Waive any late fees that any residential or small business customers incur because of their economic circumstances related to the coronavirus pandemic; and 

3. Open its Wi-Fi hotspots to any American who needs them.

So far, more than 550 companies and associations have signed the Chairman's pledge to Keep Americans Connected. 

For more information about the Keep Americans Connected initiative and updates, please visit the FCC at https:/ /www.fcc.gov/keep-americans-connected. 

To learn more about how Range is responding to the coronavirus pandemic, please visit https:/ / www .rangeweb.net/ covid-19-update/ 

About the Range Companies 

The Range Companies consists of Range Telephone Cooperative, Inc., Advanced Communications Technology, Inc., Dubois Telephone Exchange, Inc., and RT Communications, Inc. The Range Companies are leaders in technologically advanced communications solutions for residential, business, and wholesale customers. It currently serves over 12,500 broadband subscribers in Montana, Wyoming, South Dakota, and Colorado. For more information about Range, please visit rangeweb.net.