Account holder passed away

My father in law was the account holder for his and my mother in law's cell phone contracts (both aged mid 70's). He has been struggling with cancer and due to his illness, did not put money into the bank account to cover the contracts, on time. I called to say they must re-submit the debit order but due to me not being the account holder, they refused to assist in any way. My father in law passed away yesterday, and today they cut off my mother in law's cell service, due to lack of payment. They cannot help us at all until the death certificate is issued, which according to the funeral home, will be next week only. How is she supposed to communicate with anyone, without her cell phone? At this sad time, her friends and family cannot contact her at all.<br> I understand there are rules but surely at a time like this, the rules could be tempered with a bit of compassion and sympathy?<br> Do you know how far bad news travels? Well, I will certainly be telling everyone about this shocking experience!