HORRY COUNTY -- HTC, which serves customers in Horry and Georgetown counties, says it will waive the fees for direct dial voice calls and text messages to Japan following last Friday's earthquake and tsunami.

The waiver applies to the time period from March 11 - March 31.

Also, all charges for wireline direct dial voice calls placed to Japan will be waived through April 15 for HTC Long Distance customers.

HTC says the fee waiver will automatically apply to individual accounts, customers do not need to request it. The fee waiver does not apply to internet connections.

"When you look at the catastrophic events in Japan over the last week and the continuing humanitarian struggles, we felt compelled to try to assist those members/customers who have family and friend connections to this area," said HTC Chief Executive Officer, Mike Hagg. "We hope they can use HTC's technology to stay connected and give them some peace of mind when it comes to the safety and wellbeing of their loved ones."