UrBC, Yekaterinburg, March 31, 2020. The telecom company MegaFon now allows customers over 65 to make calls/send text messages even if they have no money in their account or have a negative account balance, MegaFon Ural’s press service reports.

‘This should prove particularly handy for those who have to self-isolate at the moment. All you have to do is contact MegaFon’s call center and we’ll help you select one of the options that will let you stay connected. For one, we can advance you anything up to RUB 3,000 in your phone account (you can pay later, commission-free). The offer applies to customers in the 65+ age group and to customers with chronic health issues,’ the company says.

Even if they have a negative account balance, all of Mega Fon’s customers can still accept incoming calls from any mobile carrier, including a foreign one.

‘A lot of people need to get regular updates and/or call COVID-19 helplines. MegaFon made all calls to Russian embassies, airlines, Russian Railways, travel agents, the Internal Affairs Ministry’s SOS Center, and hotlines run by Rostourism, Healthcare Ministry, Rostrud, and Takzdorovo free for all customers. For a full list of toll-free numbers, please visit the company website,’ MegaFon’s press service reports.