Coronavirus: Kraus Pledges To 'Keep Americans Connected'

Small Communications Provider Kraus Electronic Systems Embraces FCC Chairman Pai's 'Keep Americans Connected' Pledge In Addition To Other Consumer Protection Steps Amid Coronavirus Pandemic.

MANHATTAN, IL., March 19, 2020 – Kraus Electronic Systems, a small cable, broadband and phone provider serving north central Illinois communities, announced today that it will not only commit to Federal Communications Commission Chairman Ajit Pai’s “Keep Americans Connected” pledged, but will also take many more steps to protect consumers amid the coronavirus COVID-19 pandemic.
Company COO Art Kraus said his company will pledge to do the following on a voluntary basis to show its concern for its customers and its willingness to take action beyond the three important steps endorsed by Chairman Pai. Among other things, Kraus Electronic Systems said:
• We will not be disconnecting customers that are having financial hardship because of the coronavirus;
• We will be increasing our “Life Line” Internet package from 384k to 3M;
• We will be putting our data cap charges on hold until further notice;
• We will be offering free installs and equipment for all new customers; and
• We will be waiving all convenience fees for payments made over the phone
to help promote “keep the distance” recommendations.
“Kraus Electronic Systems is a small, family-owned Cable TV, Internet & Phone provider with limited resources. Nevertheless, with that being said, we still want to do our part as an ACA Connects member to take Chairman Pai’s ‘Keep America Connected’ pledge and do much, much more to demonstrate our concern for our customers and communities at a dangerous moment for all Americans.” Mr. Kraus said.

Last week, Chairman Pai urged video and broadband providers to respond to the coronavirus outbreak by committing to his three-part pledge in a partnership with government in a manner that benefits Americans in a real and material fashion. Dozens of ACA Connects members, including Kraus Electronic Systems with today’s announcement, have endorsed Chairman Pai’s pledge, which includes:
• Not terminate service to any residential or small business customers because of their inability to pay their bills because of the disruptions caused by the coronavirus pandemic;
• Waive any late fees that any residential or small business customers incur because of their economic circumstances related to the coronavirus pandemic; and
• Open its Wi-Fi hotspots to any American who needs them.
To further support its customers and instill confidence in network reliability, Kraus Electronic Systems said that company technicians will be in service communities keeping the network up and running. In a social media commentary, Mr. Kraus left this message on the company’s Facebook page to suggest ways others could help the cause:
“With everything going on these days, I know it’s easy to get lost in our thoughts and forget the people in need. Our food pantries have always been there for those people that are in need. So please consider donating to our local pantries. If you are not able to drop off your donation, we will pick up anything you’re willing to donate and deliver it for you to our local food pantry. Please keep in mind we’re all in this together and please be kind to each other and those who are working the front lines helping our communities. Being a part of the communities that we have serviced for so many years, I wish there was more we could do, but I think this is a start.”