Visible’s Connection Protection marks three years and nearly 48,000 months of wireless service covered for members facing job loss

As economic uncertainty continues to weigh on the U.S. labor market, the need for workforce support has never been clearer. Visible, the all-digital wireless carrier by Verizon, is proud to mark the third anniversary of Connection Protection – the only program of its kind in the wireless industry that ensures job loss doesn't mean losing wireless service, too.

Built in partnership with the nonprofit Empower Work, Connection Protection covers three months of wireless service for Visible members navigating a layoff, reduced hours, or a period between jobs. Dedicated to creating healthy and equitable workplaces, Empower Work provides support via their worker text line and online resources for people to process their job loss, think through their job search, and work on a plan to land their next job.

“Visible and Empower Work launched Connection Protection in 2023 as part of the brand’s commitment to empowering people to succeed in today’s digital economy,” said Donna Epps, Chief Responsible Business Officer for Verizon. “Our job is to build the networks of the future, but our mission is to deliver the tools and resources – like connectivity in times of job hardship – that enable people to use those networks to thrive.”

Since launching, the program has delivered more than 30,000 codes  to members, with over 16,900 redemptions to date. From January 2023 through January 2026, 14,302 members redeemed the benefit –reflecting strong and sustained engagement as more Americans navigate job transitions and workforce disruption.

"There's no playbook for this in the wireless industry because no one else has done it," said David Kim, President of Verizon Value. "Visible built Connection Protection from scratch because we saw a gap between what carriers offer and what people actually need. Three years later, the demand continues to grow."

Growing demand, real outcomes

Three years of participant data underscore both the scale and impact of the program:

• 95% of participants reported that Connection Protection helped alleviate financial stress 
• More than half of participants secured job interviews during the program period 
• 1 in 5 participants started a new job during the program period 
• More than 1 in 4 received a job offer 
• 71% stayed connected with potential employers 
• 62% said the program helped them feel safer in case of an emergency 

Participants also noted the broader role that wireless connectivity plays during life hardships – as they rely on their covered service to stay connected with family, access healthcare providers, and manage essential household expenses.

"This program has reinforced that staying connected to vital and immediate support is a lifeline for people navigating one of the most challenging moments of their lives," said Jaime-Alexis Fowler, Founder and CEO of Empower Work. "When people have someone in their corner listening and responding to their needs, they can focus on what matters most: finding their next opportunity, supporting their families, and moving forward."

Support beyond wireless

Data from Empower Work's support line shows that stress, burnout, and mental health concerns among employed job seekers rose nearly 10% in 2025 alone. Workplace anxiety is driving more people to seek support even before a hardship fully materializes.

In addition to cost-covered service, Connection Protection participants receive access to Empower Work's text-based counseling line, offering one-on-one guidance for navigating job searching, interview preparation and workplace challenges. Participants also receive access to wage reports and unemployment resources to support their broader financial recovery.

Eligibility

Connection Protection is available to current Visible members on monthly plans who have completed their first monthly service payment. Eligible members can apply through Empower Work's website and will receive a response within three business days. For more information, visit visible.com/connection-protection.

Visible is a division of Verizon and powered by Verizon’s award-winning networks. For more information, visit www.visible.com or search for our service in the App Store or the Play Store.