Czech mobile operator O2 offers unlimited data, Vodafone helps users stranded in Italy during coronavirus crisis

Two mobile operators in the Czech Republic have responded to the novel coronavirus with plans to help some customers.

Mobile operator O2 is offering its customers unlimited mobile data for free starting March 16 and lasting to the end of April, as well as a discounted laptop with internet for work and home learning.

Customers who have O2 mobile voice tariffs with data, including those in O2 Spolu’s special bundles, will be able to use the data indefinitely even after the basic volume included in a monthly fee has been used up. They can use unlimited data thanks to the NEO package, which they can activate in the online Moje O2 store or in the physical O2 stores.

“We believe that our help will make it easier for customers who cannot spend their time at work or school, and need to stay in touch with their loved ones, classmates and colleagues. We also decided to make the best of our O2 TV available. To give people a chance to relax with quality films and programs, for a symbolic 1 CZK we will give them premium film, children’s, sports and documentary channels such as HBO, National Geographic and much more,” O2 CEO Jindřich Fremuth said.

If a customer uses the FREE + stříbrný (Silver) tariff and activates the package with unlimited data, they can continue to surf at NEO Optimal speed when their 14 GB are exhausted. The offer is valid for all customers except for companies benefiting from a framework agreement price advantage.

Those who need to work from home and do not have a laptop can take advantage of a new Lenovo IdeaPad S130 14 inch notebook with a built-in modem for 995 CZK. The price applies to the Zlatá (Gold) O2 Data tariff with 10 GB, which is reduced to CZK 599 per month.

For people using top up cards, the operator will give a one-time 100 CZK bonus if they recharge their credit.

Rival mobile operator Vodafone is not charging its customers who remain quarantined in Italy for calls, messages or data transfers to the Czech Republic and Slovakia. The users must be connected to Vodafone Italy, Italy Telecom and Italy WIND. If they are connected to another network they must change it, and also check other technical details on Android or iOS devices.

Vodafone has also launched an enhanced channel offer for UPC TV, until April 11. This includes NickToons, Nick jr., Nickelodeon, Minimax, JimJam, Disney, Duck and Cartoon Network, Filmbox, and sports and documentary channels.