Skype Offers Free Calls for Japan and Ecuador Earthquake Victims
Japan and Ecuador have been recently struck by killer earthquakes resulting to unimaginable loss of lives and destruction to properties. As survivors scramble to look for their loved ones amid the rubble, some companies are taking the social initiative to utilize their services to make sure friends and families of survivors are safe. Microsoft is now offering free calls via its audio-video chat platform, Skype.
According to official statements, the tech giant is making all domestic and international calls free of charge to all landline and mobile phones to Japan and Ecuador residents for an unknown number of days. However, some restrictions still apply as the offer excludes calls to special, premium service and non-geographical numbers.
The free-of-charge Skype calls was initially announced when the devastating earthquake hit Japan.
"At this time, we know that getting in touch with friends, family and colleagues in Japan is vitally important. So, with immediate effect we are making all domestic and international calls to landlines and mobiles in Japan free of charge for the next few days," Skype Team announced in their official blog as reported by Beta News.
When news of another big tremor hit Ecuador too, Microsoft quickly extended its offer to the Latin American country.
"In light of the devastating earthquake that has taken place in Ecuador - and the subsequent impact to the local communications infrastructure - we are making all domestic and international calls to landlines and mobiles in Ecuador free of charge for the next few days. This takes place with immediate effect," announced Microsoft in an official statement as quoted by Softpedia.
In a nutshell, Japan's Kyushu region was hit by 7.0-magnitude earthquake last Friday. Another tremor with 7.8 magnitude hit Ecuador a day after resulting to multiple casualties, injuries, and destruction. So far, 41 people have reportedly died in Japan with 800 more injured due to landslides and aftershocks. Meanwhile, at least 235 deaths were recorded in Ecuador along with 1, 500 injuries according to latest roundup by VOA News.
