After attack, big telecom firms offer free calls to France

In the aftermath of Thursday's terror attack in Nice, big U.S. cell phone companies quickly moved to allow their customers to make free calls to France to connect with family and friends.

At least 84 people, including two Americans, were killed when a truck plowed into a crowd celebrating Bastille Day. Dozens of people remain in critical condition.

"Our hearts are with all those affected by the horrible attack in Nice," T-Mobile wrote. "To help our customers connect with loved ones in the area, T-Mobile is making it free to call and text from the United States to Nice, France. T-Mobile will also waive roaming fees on calls and texts for customers in that area."

The offer applies to T-Mobile Simple Choice postpaid and prepaid customers, along with customers of MetroPCS, GoSmart Mobile and WalMart Family Mobile. The offer, which took effect on Thursday, extends through July 17. Customers will see regular charges on their bills with corresponding credits, the company said.

Sprint also said it would waive fees for calls and texts to and from France through July 17. The offer applies to Sprint, Boost and Virgin Mobile customers.

Verizon said it is offering free wireless and wireline calling. According to the company, "Wireless users will incur no charges for texts or international long distance calls originating from the U.S. to France on July 14 through (July) 16, 2016 (applicable taxes and surcharges will apply)."

"Home wireline telephone customers can make free calls to France from their U.S. landlines on July 14 through July 16, 2016, (applicable taxes and surcharges will apply)," the company said.

AT&T tweeted, "We'll credit our customers for calls/texts from US to France 7/14-17." The company said in a news release that it will "waive or credit charges incurred for calls placed by AT&T's customers from the United States to France between July 14 to July 17 in the local time zone. This includes landline, texting, and mobility (Postpaid and GoPhone) calls."

Additionally, the company said its wireless customers can text "NICE" to 20222 to donate $10 to Foundation de France.

Google is also offering free calling to France. "To help people stay informed and connected with their loved ones, we're making calls to France from Hangouts, Google Voice and Project Fi, free -- from anywhere in the world those services are supported."

"Additionally, for those in and around Nice, we've published a Google Now card with critical updates from French authorities, and we'll continue to update it as new information becomes available."

In:
• Verizon