VTel offers free telephone and Internet service assistance to customers experiencing hardships from Tropical Storm Irene and its aftermath

 (Springfield, VT) – September 15^th, 2011 – VTel announced today it would offer up to three months of free basic telephone and Internet service to any current customer whose home or business was affected by Tropical Storm Irene. The company is also suspending any telephone disconnections for up to three months.

 Some of the most extensive damage and flooding from the storm occurred in VTel’s Southern Vermont service area, including Plymouth and Killington, two of the State’s declared “isolated communities.” To be eligible for the free service, a VTel customer must have applied for and received flood hardship aid from FEMA, the U.S. Department of Agriculture, or the State of Vermont.

 “We have a company mission of Vermonters serving Vermonters, and clearly, our neighbors are in need,” said Michel Guite, owner of VTel. “This is an emergency offer, and we are trying to help families in need by making sure they can continue to communicate with the people they depend on in this challenging time.”

 Also, starting immediately, VTel is offering discounted Internet service to any family in the company’s service area with a full-time student who receives free lunches from the National School Lunch Program.

 Families who qualify will receive basic Internet service for $9.95 per month for up to three years. Each family is also entitled to register for VTel’s basic WOW Wireless Broadband service when it becomes available for just $10 per month.

 “These days, Internet access is as important a school supply as pencils and paper,” said Michel Guite, owner of VTel. “All children should be able to use the Internet as a learning tool, regardless of their family income. We hope this discount will level the playing field, giving all kids an equal chance for success in school.”

 Customers interested in taking advantage of these offers are invited to call VTel at 1-800-279-4049.

Media Contact: Sharon Combes-Farr, Director of Marketing, Vermont Telephone Co. This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it   (802) 885-7744