The third wave of COVID-19 pandemic has reached the United States since the start of 2021. The media and entertainment industries have been affected a lot this year as a result of social distancing policies, according to Variety Intelligence Platform (VIP), which published an “Industry Impact Study” in July evaluating the initial effects. In the latest special report “Riding the Third Wave,” VIP has updated the ongoing effects of coronavirus on the industry. The study examines how the main entertainment industries — like film, television, advertisement, sports, technology, and video games — fared in 2020 and forecasts what lies ahead for each.
The pandemic has sparked increases in a wide variety of media practices in the United States, from reading printed books to streaming music and video, according to Trailer Park Group’s research. The findings indicate that media revenues from consumption will increase across all in-home activities, while consumer spending on out-of-home activities will be focused somewhere else.
While we talk about the chaos brought up due to the virus outbreak, we should proudly mention how some of the big giants in the Tech industry have come forward to play their role to ensure that a common man is not left alone. Similarly, in the delivery of the new vaccine, technology plays an important part. Companies like AT&T not only provide connectivity at the vaccination sites but are also assisting healthcare organizations by offering IoT technologies to monitor vaccines from manufacturing to the clinic, making sure everyone receives their doses timely. Let’s find out what other companies are giving us a pay-back we all deserved for being their loyal customers.
AT&T
Despite the fact that the pandemic threw everyone’s plans apart, AT&T’s dedication to continuity, resiliency, and exceptional support for customers never wavered. They knew their network, facilities, and people had to stay tight for clients when much of the world looked like it was ripping at the seams. AT&T Internet made sure that their clients, who ranged from companies and schools and children to healthcare professionals and first responders, had the resources and skills they needed to adjust to a year that no one expected. And, it seems like they are getting prepared for the future too.
A cross-industry response has been mobilized to address the technological demands, safety risks, and size of the mammoth operation as the US accelerates vaccines in hopes of achieving the President’s target of being able to open up to all adults by May 1. FirstNet, built with AT&T, provides a common, interoperable network for public safety departments to effectively connect through agencies, counties, and state lines. Through the vaccination rollout, public safety authorities, municipal and state governments, and healthcare facilities that use FirstNet are assisting with the timely and reliable distribution of the COVID-19 vaccine.
This doesn’t end here, AT&T is committed to providing internet access to eligible low-income households for $10 a month or less via Access from AT&T. Moreover, AT&T will waive data overages for these subscribers until June 30, 2021, as well as retain the extended Access from AT&T eligibility for eligible households and those enrolled in the National School Lunch Program and Head Start. For more information regarding this scheme or to check your eligibility, feel free to contact AT&T customer service, which is open 24/7 to help you with all your queries.
Wave Broadband
Wave Broadband, a major provider of fiber and broadband communications, introduced a series of initiatives to assist business and residential users who have been impacted by the virus, both directly and indirectly, with increased internet access demands and financial woes. TV, Internet, and phone networks help and allow residential and business consumers to work and study at home while conducting vital day-to-day tasks such as video conferencing, or calling a dear one, exchanging files, enjoying a movie, using social media, and shopping online, among other things. All qualifying low-income households, particularly students in low-income households, will receive free internet and WiFi for 60 days if they do not already connect to their internet service and engage in the Internet First scheme.
Wave’s Internet First plan is a low-cost internet service that aims to provide secure internet connectivity to low-income families and schools. It will allow them to study, complete homework, and gain access to educational opportunities, among other things. Wave Broadband also aims to work with schools to make sure all area residents are alert of these opportunities for assisting students who are learning remotely.
Comcast
Comcast, the largest provider in the US understands the importance of digital equity in the modern world. Comcast is on a quest to provide students with the tools they need to succeed. Through their Internet Essentials service, the nation’s biggest and most ambitious broadband adoption program, they’ve linked over four million students from low-income communities to low-cost, high-speed Xfinity Internet over the last decade. Comcast further claims that qualifying new users can sign up for 60 days of free Internet access until June 30, 2021. The most generous part, which everyone would love to hear is that they have increased the internet speed to 50/5 Mbps for all current and new customers.
As COVID-19 continues to influence virtually every aspect of our everyday lives, we should totally acknowledge the efforts put in by the companies and organizations on the frontlines, to support people most impacted by COVID-19, as well.