We Want to Know What Puerto Ricans Need Right Now
The ability to communicate during a crisis is a life-and-death issue, and the coronavirus pandemic is no exception. In fact, during this kind of unprecedented crisis, internet and phone service should be accessible public services — like water and electricity.
Free Press has been fighting to ensure that everyone in the United States has access to the vital phone and internet connections they need — regardless of ability to pay. Social distancing and being in quarantine mean that people are relying on at-home internet and phone service to reach the outside world.
And we want to make sure that Puerto Rico isn’t being left behind.
After Hurricane Maria, the federal government failed to mount a sufficient recovery effort and between 3,000 and 5,000 people died. We want to make sure that the government doesn’t ignore Puerto Rico during this pandemic — and that people living on the islands are able to access lifesaving news and health information.
That’s why we’re asking Puerto Ricans to share stories about what they need right now to access and maintain phone and internet service during the COVID-19 crisis.
Please share your story to help us call on the Federal Communications Commission and Congress to address the communication rights of Puerto Ricans on the islands.