President and CEO of T-Mobile USA, Robert Dottson explains that “Our company and our employees care deeply for our customers, and we know that many customers have been directly impacted by the disaster in Haiti. While our thoughts go out to those in Haiti who are suffering so greatly at this time, our promise is to help people connect with those who matter most. I can think of no better time to demonstrate this commitment.”
Additionally, T-Mobile committed itself to helping to restore the wireless communications infrastructure maintained by its partner networks, Voila and Digicel, that was damaged in the earthquake. T-Mobile will also donate wireless equipment such as generator equipment and cellsites.
Any cell phone user who wishes to help can simply text “HAITI” to “90999” to make a $10 donation to Red Cross. The donation will be charged to your T-Mobile bill. Don’t worry if you’re out of text messages for the month, there is no per-text fee for this service, even if you don’t have a text messaging plan. So far, Americans have raised $5 million for the Haitian relief efforts, surpassing the $4 million total donations made through texts that were raised in 2009.
Our thoughts go out to all those affected by the disaster in Haiti. If you are looking for other ways to contribute to the Haiti quake relief efforts, see our story on how do use tech to make a speedy donation.
Story updated 1/14/10 9:46 PM PST to clarify that apparently any mobile phone subscriber can donate $10 to the Red Cross via text message. See the Red Cross’ Disaster Alert for more.