Atlantic Broadband this week launched Operation Mail Call, a new initiative that provides free high-speed Internet service to customers with an immediate family member serving in the military in the two war zones.
"This is the 21st Century version of the 'mail call' that brightened the wartime experience of U.S. servicemen and women in past decades," said Rich Shea, VP and Chief Information Officer, who conceived of the idea. "Atlantic Broadband's Operation Mail Call will make it possible for our customers—particularly those who otherwise could not afford high-speed Internet service—to exchange e-mail with their loved ones any time of the day or night," Shea said. "And, because of our broadband speed and capacity, they can share photos, video, and even their children's drawings, virtually instantaneously."
Believed to be the first of its kind in the nation, the Operation Mail Call free Internet initiative is available everywhere Atlantic Broadband provides Internet service, including central and western Pennsylvania and nearby areas in West Virginia, western Maryland and western New York State; the Maryland/Delaware peninsula; and several cities in South Florida, including Miami Beach. Atlantic Broadband's technology and communications tools put the company in a unique position to help ease the anxiety of separation that families endure in wartime. It will keep them connected—more often and more immediately.
The company saw the efforts of the U.S. military—as well as groups like We Support You, the Freedom Calls Foundation and the Military Family Association—to provide troops in the field with Internet connections, voice calling and messaging services. But it also recognized a gap here at home, with many families lacking the resources to make the connection from their own homes.
"Customer appreciation offers are nothing new, but this is a very special one for all of us at Atlantic Broadband," Shea noted. "We are privileged to be able to offer this service to the families who are making such a great sacrifice for all of us.
Atlantic Broadband's Operation Mail Call will provide free Internet service to all customer households with an immediate family member—husband, wife, son, daughter, father or mother—stationed in Iraq or Afghanistan. The household will receive Atlantic Broadband Preferred Service (at up to 3 megabits per second), a free cable modem, up to five separate e-mail accounts, free installation and maintenance. The complimentary service will last as long as the family member is posted in either of the war zones. One household per serviceperson will be eligible.
