Governor Justice and T-Mobile Announce $200+ Million in Completed Network Upgrades for West Virginia
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Insights
The investment by T-Mobile in West Virginia's telecommunications infrastructure represents a significant development within the industry. The deployment of 5G and fixed wireless access services in a region previously characterized by limited connectivity can catalyze economic growth and enhance the competitive landscape. This expansion is not only poised to increase T-Mobile's market penetration but could also serve as a catalyst for broader socio-economic benefits. Enhanced connectivity facilitates more efficient business operations, telemedicine, remote education and can attract new businesses seeking a connected environment.
From an industry perspective, the move underscores the ongoing trend towards bridging the digital divide in rural America. T-Mobile's strategy aligns with the broader industry push towards providing equitable access to high-speed internet. The reported 66 percent increase in median download speeds indicates substantial improvements in the network capabilities, which could translate to increased customer satisfaction and potentially higher customer retention rates for T-Mobile.
The introduction of T-Mobile's 5G services to West Virginia reflects a strategic investment in underpenetrated markets, which could lead to an expanded customer base and increased revenue streams for the company. The reported coverage of 100 percent of federal highways and access for 90 percent of West Virginians to T-Mobile's 5G network indicates a comprehensive reach that may pressure competitors to accelerate their own infrastructure developments. The claim that T-Mobile is the fastest provider in the state, as per third-party experts, positions the company favorably in consumer perceptions, potentially influencing market share dynamics.
Moreover, T-Mobile's entry into the fixed wireless service market introduces competition to traditional broadband providers, which could lead to price wars and improved service offerings. The availability of high-speed internet to 400,000 homes and the simplification of business internet services could disrupt the local broadband market, compelling incumbents to innovate or risk losing market share. This competitive tension is beneficial for consumers and can drive overall industry growth.
The $200 million investment by T-Mobile in West Virginia's digital infrastructure can be seen as a significant economic stimulus for the state. Improved connectivity directly correlates with increased economic activity, as businesses and consumers leverage faster internet speeds for productivity and commerce. The direct impact on the local economy could manifest in the form of new job opportunities, both from T-Mobile's operations and from businesses that can now operate more effectively due to better connectivity.
In the long term, the investment in 5G infrastructure may contribute to a more diversified and resilient state economy, lessening the historical dependence on industries such as mining. It also has the potential to reduce outmigration by providing the technological foundation for modern industries to flourish in West Virginia. Furthermore, the infrastructure upgrades and the commitment to redundancy in case of emergencies strengthen the state's ability to respond to crises, which is an important consideration for public policy and economic stability.
The Un-carrier’s commitment to
The Un-carrier’s commitment to
The investment has had a striking impact on the citizens and businesses of
Now, partly a result of T-Mobile investments,
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Through a merger with Sprint in 2020, T-Mobile has made a massive commitment to improve Internet connectivity and mobile service for rural and small-town America. In 2021, T-Mobile doubled down on its commitment to
The result:
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100 percent of federal highways in
West Virginia are serviced with T-Mobile 5G; - 90 percent of West Virginians now have T-Mobile 5G access, up 30 percent, or 500,000 people, in just two years;
- 70 percent of West Virginians now have access to Ultra Capacity 5G which delivers median download speeds of 99.98 Mbps statewide, 41 percent faster than in 2021;
- Greatly expanded backup power sources to ensure redundancy in case of severe weather or other emergencies that may impact mobile service;
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T-Mobile is the fastest provider in the state of
West Virginia , according to third-party experts at Ookla.
“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
Home and Business Broadband
One of the ways T-Mobile is making an immediate impact with recent upgrades is by introducing high-speed broadband, often-times called fixed wireless service, as an alternative to traditional broadband providers like Xfinity and Frontier.
Competition is critical, especially in a state with such a unique topography. According to a recent study published by the West Virginia Broadband Enhancement Council,
Today, T-Mobile 5G High-Speed Internet is available to 400,000 homes across the state, providing an option for fast, reliable home internet that’s easy to set up and has no annual contracts or hidden fees. Plus, the Un-carrier simplifies business internet, enabling businesses to connect offices and locations nationwide.
“Together, T-Mobile and Governor Justice have ushered in a new era for West Virginian businesses,” added Callie Field, President, T-Mobile Business Group. “We’ve opened the doors for enterprises to elevate their capabilities, expand their offerings and connect with customers previously out of reach, thanks to the power of 5G. We’re proud to be at the forefront of opportunity for West Virgina.”
The following counties are also receiving immediate benefits through the introduction of 5G, for the first time ever in many cases:
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Barbour - Braxton
- Marion
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Monroe -
Nicholas -
Summers -
Upshur -
Webster -
Wyoming
T-Mobile is the leader in 5G, delivering the country’s largest, fastest and most awarded 5G network to T-Mobile customers and Metro by T-Mobile users. The Un-carrier’s 5G network covers more than 330 million people across two million square miles — more square miles than AT&T and Verizon combined. 300 million people nationwide are covered by T-Mobile’s super-fast Ultra Capacity 5G with over 2x more square miles of coverage than similar mid-band 5G offerings from the Un-carrier’s closest competitors.
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See 5G device, coverage, & access details at T-Mobile.com. Square mileage coverage values are based on outdoor coverage levels. Fastest in West Virginia Based on analysis by Ookla® of Speedtest Intelligence® data for the
About T-Mobile
T-Mobile US, Inc. (NASDAQ: TMUS) is America’s supercharged Un-carrier, delivering an advanced 4G LTE and transformative nationwide 5G network that will offer reliable connectivity for all. T-Mobile’s customers benefit from its unmatched combination of value and quality, unwavering obsession with offering them the best possible service experience and undisputable drive for disruption that creates competition and innovation in wireless and beyond. Based in
View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20240119419291/en/
T-Mobile US, Inc. Media Relations
MediaRelations@t-mobile.com
Source: T-Mobile US, Inc.
FAQ
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