Verizon removes data caps in disasters

SACRAMENTO, Calif. — A nationwide telecommunications company rolled out changes Friday as state lawmakers said they were upset to learn that Verizon slowed Northern California firefighters’ Internet service while they battled what became the state’s largest-ever wildfire.

Verizon said it removed all speed-cap restrictions for emergency workers fighting wildfires on the West Coast and for those in Hawaii, where emergency crews were rescuing people Friday from areas flooded by Hurricane Lane. The company promised to lift restrictions on public safety customers and provide full network access when other disasters arise.

The announcement came hours before the state Assembly Select Committee on Natural Disaster, Response, Recovery, and Rebuilding held an informational hearing on the incident. Lawmakers are angered by the incident and committed to making sure it never happens again, said Democratic Assemblyman Marc Levine of San Rafael.

The Santa Clara County Fire Department said Verizon slowed its Internet communications at a wildfire command center three weeks ago, crippling the emergency communications truck’s data speeds and forcing firefighters to use other agencies’ Internet connections and their personal cellphones.

The county disclosed the problem in a court filing last week supporting a lawsuit brought by 22 state attorneys general seeking to restore net neutrality rules repealed by the Federal Communications Commission.