During a press conference at the West Virginia State Capitol today, Governor Jim Justice and T-Mobile executive Edwige Robinson underscored the significant influence of T-Mobile's $200 million investment in the state. This investment has brought about remarkable changes for West Virginians, a population often overlooked in the realm of technological advancements. West Virginia, characterized by its mountainous terrain and sparse population, traditionally ranked low in studies assessing the availability of high-speed broadband and mobile service nationwide.
Thanks in part to T-Mobile's financial injection, West Virginia is now experiencing positive momentum. Recent findings reveal a notable 66 percent surge in median download speeds from 2022 to 2023 alone.
Governor Justice expressed, "West Virginia's progress in enhancing connectivity reflects the strength of collaboration. Through dedicated efforts with T-Mobile and other partners, we've ensured that every corner of our state has access to the necessary tools for success in the digital age. T-Mobile's $200 million investment is a game-changer, expanding 5G coverage and accelerating internet speeds for West Virginians. We are immensely grateful for their commitment to our state, underscoring the impact of partnerships and our shared dedication to forging a brighter future for all residents."
Following the 2020 merger with Sprint, T-Mobile committed significantly to enhancing internet connectivity and mobile services in rural and small-town America. In 2021, this commitment to West Virginia was reinforced with the acquisition of Shentel Wireless. Since then, T-Mobile has invested an additional $200 million, deploying 377 new towers and upgrading 121 existing towers to boost 5G services.
The outcomes of these efforts are remarkable:
T-Mobile 5G coverage extends to 100 percent of federal highways in West Virginia. 90 percent of West Virginians now enjoy T-Mobile 5G access, marking a 30 percent increase, equivalent to 500,000 people, within two years. Ultra Capacity 5G, accessible to 70 percent of West Virginians, provides statewide median download speeds of 99.98 Mbps, a 41 percent improvement from 2021. Robust backup power sources have been expanded to ensure redundancy during severe weather or emergencies affecting mobile service. T-Mobile is recognized as the fastest provider in West Virginia by third-party experts at Ookla. Thanks in part to T-Mobile's financial injection, West Virginia is now experiencing positive momentum. Recent findings reveal a notable 66 percent surge in median download speeds from 2022 to 2023 alone.
Governor Justice expressed, "West Virginia's progress in enhancing connectivity reflects the strength of collaboration. Through dedicated efforts with T-Mobile and other partners, we've ensured that every corner of our state has access to the necessary tools for success in the digital age. T-Mobile's $200 million investment is a game-changer, expanding 5G coverage and accelerating internet speeds for West Virginians. We are immensely grateful for their commitment to our state, underscoring the impact of partnerships and our shared dedication to forging a brighter future for all residents."
Following the 2020 merger with Sprint, T-Mobile committed significantly to enhancing internet connectivity and mobile services in rural and small-town America. In 2021, this commitment to West Virginia was reinforced with the acquisition of Shentel Wireless. Since then, T-Mobile has invested an additional $200 million, deploying 377 new towers and upgrading 121 existing towers to boost 5G services.
The outcomes of these efforts are remarkable:
“Part of T-Mobile’s promise when we merged with Sprint was to build a more connected country leveraging 5G,” said Ulf Ewaldsson, President of Technology at T-Mobile. “Our work in West Virginia with Governor Justice is a testament to what’s possible when time, resources and teamwork are invested in the places previously underserved, and I am proud that T-Mobile is opening the door for people and businesses to be better connected than ever before.”
Home and Business Broadband
T-Mobile is swiftly making a significant impact through recent enhancements by introducing high-speed broadband, commonly known as fixed wireless service, providing an alternative to traditional broadband providers such as Xfinity and Frontier.
In a state with unique topography, fostering competition becomes crucial. As indicated by a recent study from the West Virginia Broadband Enhancement Council, 90% of respondents have access to home internet, but 60% reported a lack of high-speed internet at their residences.
Presently, T-Mobile's 5G High-Speed Internet is accessible to 400,000 homes throughout the state, offering a fast and reliable home internet option that is easy to set up, with no annual contracts or hidden fees. Moreover, T-Mobile simplifies business internet, allowing businesses to establish connections between offices and locations nationwide.
Callie Field, President of T-Mobile Business Group, emphasized, "Together, T-Mobile and Governor Justice are ushering in a new era for West Virginian businesses. We've created opportunities for enterprises to enhance their capabilities, expand their services, and connect with previously unreachable customers, all powered by 5G. We take pride in being at the forefront of opportunities for West Virginia."
Residents in West Virginia can learn more and check eligibility at www.t-mobile.com/home-internet, while businesses can explore T-Mobile Business Internet and solutions at www.t-mobile.com/business-internet.
Several counties are experiencing immediate benefits through the introduction of 5G, marking a historic moment for many:
T-Mobile stands as the leader in 5G, providing the country's largest, fastest, and most acclaimed 5G network to both T-Mobile and Metro by T-Mobile users. Covering more than 330 million people across two million square miles, T-Mobile's 5G network surpasses the combined coverage of AT&T and Verizon. With 300 million people nationwide covered by T-Mobile's Ultra Capacity 5G, it boasts over 2x more square miles of coverage compared to similar mid-band 5G offerings from its closest competitors.