To be attributed to Ben McIntosh, Vodafone Chief Commercial Officer:
Like all Australians we are devastated to see the effects of the continuing bushfires.
To show our gratitude to the brave volunteer firefighters who have given their time and risked their lives to protect communities, homes and animals across Australia, we are putting in place a range of measures to ensure that they have the support they need.
For a start, Vodafone will waive any mobile network usage charges for all RFS volunteer firefighters during December and January.
To be eligible for a credit on their December 2019 and January 2020 bills, our national and state-based RFS volunteer customers can simply call 1300 650 410 or visit a local Vodafone store and quote their official RFS ID number and a credit for service charges will be applied to their Vodafone account.
Vodafone also has a range of options available under our hardship policy for any customers who have been directly impacted by the fires. Those customers can apply for financial assistance by contacting our Financial Hardship team on 1300 650 405.
In addition to supporting our customers we have a leave policy in place that allows any of our brave Vodafone employees that actively volunteer with the RFS up to four weeks of paid leave to ensure that they have the support needed to continue to do their amazing work.
Our technology and operations teams are working around the clock with emergency services and relevant agencies to keep our network up and running for customers as much as possible. We remind customers that calls to 000 will be carried on any available mobile network.
