Why are Verizon stores open in Lock Down cities and states?

[BigmanPigman]

I assumed the Verizon by me was closed and my 2012 cell phone died and I need to get a new one since the new battery that arrived Tues didn't do the trick. I spent 1 1/2 hours on the phone with Verizon trying to get instructions on how to do this, how to find my forgotten PIN, etc and was dropped 4 separate times and had to start all over. I finally decided to call the store out of desperation and they are still open. I asked the guy why and he said his boss told them to come in as usual.

[doc03]

1. That would be an essential business I assume nt

[elleng]

2. Because their service is NECESSARY/ESSENTIAL,

communication is CRITICAL.

[Elwood P Dowd]

3. +1000 (nt)

[procon]

4. Gotta have a phone, it's about the most essential

thing that everyone uses.

[Codeine]

5. You're actually asking if telecommunication

is essential?

[customerserviceguy]

7. I can remember

when cell phones were considered frills. Even my 86 year old mother says hers "is for emergencies only". And she uses an iPad daily.

[BigmanPigman]

10. I hardly ever use mine so I don't know about others' use.

I don't even know what the number is since I only use it for emergencies (it is like insurance...in case my land line doesn't work). I have always been on a strict, limited, fixed budget and can't afford "frills". A cell phone is a frill for me. I know that is unusual but it is the truth.

[Codeine]

14. Many poor people have cell phones

that are subsidized (the so-called “Obama phones”) and are thus far less expensive than a landline.

The majority of us, income not withstanding, do not have a landline and haven’t had one for fifteen or more years.

[Ms. Toad]

6. Essential business.

Even if not directly essential, many of the carriers (including Verizon, I believe) are providing internet access so students can continue to study from home (and educaiton is expressly an essential business in Ohio).

[manhattan123]

8. Why is a phone/comunications store open during a stay-at-home pandemic?

Oy.

Probably for the same reason grocery stores and pharmacies are also open.

Is this really confusing to you?

[BigmanPigman]

11. Yes, it is.

I hardly ever use it since I can't afford it. It is a "frill" on my budget. I am and have been living on a strict, tight budget for most of my life. It is "insurance" if my land line goes out (like during an earthquake).

[JustAnotherGen]

12. We don't have a landline

We don't need one. We have VZW phones and my mom is on my plan. She also has the 4th phone too. .. It's her backup / emergency phone she makes sure is charged once a week.

Also - I worked at HQ there for 12 years - Basking Ridge NJ is the HQ.

[manhattan123]

16. So everyone else is like you?

[FreeState]

9. Only about 40% of Americans have landline

That’s why.

https://www.google.com/amp/s/www.statista.com/chart/amp/2072/landline-phones-in-the-united-states/

[delisen]

13. Please think abt. People with only cell phones

and no other way to know what is happening or how to get help.

Many homeless people can't even get cell phones charged right now. They can't call for help if sick or if being attacked.

[KY_EnviroGuy]

15. All carriers will be considered crucial businesses because....

so many truly crucial services depend on cell and landline services such as police, fire, medical personnel, critical service companies, etc.

Phone carriers are also internet carriers without which we would be dead in the water......