Trump speaks with network service providers on coronavirus response

President Trump on Tuesday spoke with the CEOs of Comcast, AT&T, Verizon and other network service providers about their response to the coronavirus pandemic.

“The President thanked these leaders for not only rising to the increased demand, but extending services to all Americans at no additional cost and for waiving bills and late fees for those experiencing financial hardship,” White House deputy press secretary Judd Deere said in a statement.

“President Trump thanked network service providers for joining other industries like manufacturing, banking, technology, and healthcare to answer his call for an all-of-America response to this pandemic,” Deere added.

The call also involved leaders of LionTree, Sprint, Altice USA, Liberty Media, Charter Communications and T-Mobile. Trump said at a later briefing at the White House that he also spoke to CEOs of Cox Communications and CenturyLink on the call. 

The coronavirus has forced Americans across the country to work from home and avoid public gatherings, resulting in a surge in internet traffic and wireless use. Various service providers have taken steps to prepare for the surge or offer breaks for Americans who are impacted financially by the virus as it spreads across the country.

Trump administration officials have sought to engage businesses from various sectors over the course of the past month in order to address the outbreak. Officials have held virtual or in-person meetings with executives from private laboratories, banks, airlines, grocery stores and major retailers. 

A number of senior White House officials participated in Tuesday’s call with network service providers, including economic adviser Larry Kudlow, Trump’s son-in-law and senior adviser Jared Kushner, the president’s daughter and senior adviser Ivanka Trump and deputy chief of staff for policy coordination Chris Liddell.