Mason Moore | Hinckley Reporter | 19 December 2020

ZOOM, a popular American-based video calling and conferencing service, have started to lift their 40-minute limit on calls on select dates over the holiday season.

The video calling service, which became universally known to the public back at the start of coronavirus pandemic in March, first lifted their 40-minute time limit on free calls in the days leading up to the last day of Hannukah so that families were able to celebrate virtually.

The limit on call times was waived just two days ago at 3pm on 17 December, and this was the case until 11am this morning, when the event had finished.

Bosses behind the video calling service have made the decision to do the very same for more upcoming events and festivities, such as Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, New Year’s Day, New Year’s Eve, and Kwanzaa.

Christmas Eve and Christmas Day

• 23 December at 3pm until 26 December at 11am

New Year’s and Kwanzaa

• 30 December at 3pm until January 2 at 11am

A spokesperson for Zoom, said: “COVID-19 has changed how we live, work, and celebrate in 2020, and like everything else this year, the holiday season doesn’t look the same.

“As a token of appreciation to our users during an extraordinary time, we’re removing the 40-minute limit on free Zoom accounts for all meetings globally for several upcoming special occasions.

“Whether coming together on the final day of Hanukkah, celebrating Christmas, ringing in the New Year, or marking the last days of Kwanzaa, those connecting with friends and family won’t get cut short.”