In Wake of Earthquake, Carriers Offer Free Calls to Nepal

Since the devastating earthquake that struck Nepal, people across the globe have been trying to reach friends and family in the region. To make it easier, US phone companies are officially waiving the fees for all calls and texts to Nepal.

The four big American wireless carriers -- Verizon, Sprint, AT&T and T-Mobile -- have all confirmed that they won’t be charging customers for calls or SMS messages to Nepal. Time Warner Cable that all calls placed by its home and business phone customers to landline and mobile phones in the country will be free through May 25, and will be applied retroactively to calls placed since the April 25 earthquake. Google has discounted Google Voice rates and is charging one cent per minute for all calls placed to Nepal. Skype is offering free calls to landlines and mobile phones in and out of Nepal. No Skype credit is required to make these calls.