AT&T Inc and Verizon Wireless Inc said earlier this week they have started offering free international calling and texting to Japan from the Untied States as part of support efforts following last week’s tragic earthquake and tsunami.

Retroactively to Friday, when the devastating quake hit northeastern Japan, AT&T wireless postpaid customers will not be charged for international calls and text messages to Japan through March 31 and Verizon will offer similar free services through April 10.

AT&T’s free offer includes calls from U.S. landlines for up to 60 minutes.