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Priority Access: T-Mobile’s Wireless Priority Service for First Responders



06/04/2024


Priority Access: T-Mobile’s Wireless Priority Service for First Responders
As hurricane season begins and wildfire risks persist, T-Mobile is committed to ensuring that customers, communities, businesses, and first responders stay connected when it matters most. Ulf Ewaldsson, T-Mobile’s technology president, emphasized their role in crisis connectivity. They’ve expanded coverage, invested in network resilience, and enhanced disaster response readiness. Notably, T-Mobile activated new 2.5 GHz spectrum for critical coverage, fortified their network with backup power solutions, and introduced a Community Support Advocates Program. Additionally, they’re deploying XL SatCOLTs and XL SatCOWs, their largest disaster response vehicles, to bolster connectivity.” 

T-Mobile’s proactive measures demonstrate their dedication to keeping people connected during challenging times.

“In times of crisis, T-Mobile is ready to show up for our customers and our communities and take action to help in recovery where it is most needed,” said Jon Freier, consumer group president at T-Mobile. “Our teams will be on the ground, ready to offer our hands and hearts in times of need and ensure that we’re there to support as best we can through the toughest of challenges.”

"Since last year’s hurricane season, T-Mobile has fortified its network with permanent backup power solutions, including generators and batteries. This ensures that during disasters, critical sites and overlapping coverage remain functional, keeping customers connected. Additionally, T-Mobile activated its new 2.5 GHz spectrum, enhancing coverage and capacity for nearly 60 million customers nationwide.
 
T-Mobile continually improves its infrastructure, such as towers, cell sites, and data centers, to enhance reliability and resilience in both urban and rural areas. Their National Operations Centers (NOCs) monitor and manage the network 24/7, dynamically allocating bandwidth to support data-intensive activities for first responders.
 
In disaster response, T-Mobile deploys resources to restore coverage, recover from power outages, and provide connectivity. Over the past three years, they’ve expanded their fleet of emergency response assets, including SatCOLTs and SatCOWs. Later this year, T-Mobile will introduce XL SatCOLTs and XL SatCOWs, equipped with 5G hardware for broader coverage.
 
T-Mobile’s Community Support Advocates Program (CSAP) offers specialized training for employees supporting disaster relief efforts. Their emergency response teams collaborate with government agencies, first responders, and industry experts to refine strategies and improve future responses. When disasters strike, T-Mobile works closely with local Emergency Operations Centers to prioritize connectivity for agencies, medical teams, and others.

First responders, emergency officials, and eligible critical infrastructure customers can register for T-Mobile’s Wireless Priority Service (WPS) at no cost. WPS provides priority access and preemption on T-Mobile’s nationwide network. During emergencies or network congestion, WPS ensures that critical communications are prioritized. Additionally, T-Mobile encourages everyone to take disaster preparedness steps.
 
Click here to know more on how T-Mobile prepares for and responds to disasters.