T-Mobile Teams with Homeland Security to Give First Responder Data Top Priority

Rhea-AI Summary

T-Mobile (NASDAQ: TMUS) has announced a significant enhancement to its services for first responders, making data priority automatic and free for agencies enrolled in the Wireless Priority Service (WPS). This initiative, in collaboration with the Department of Homeland Security's Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency, aids emergency responders during network congestion. T-Mobile commits to maintaining minimum performance levels during crises, ensuring vital communication remains uninterrupted. The program, part of T-Mobile's Connecting Heroes initiative, could save first responders up to $7 billion over ten years.

Positive

• Automatic data priority for WPS-enrolled first responders enhances service during emergencies.
• Partnership with DHS and CISA strengthens T-Mobile's position as a leading provider for public safety.
• The Connecting Heroes program could save first responders up to $7 billion over the next decade.
• T-Mobile's 5G network supports over 225 million people with future plans to expand coverage further.

Negative

• None.

The Un-carrier is first and only wireless provider to give data priority automatically to WPS-enrolled agencies.

BELLEVUE, Wash.--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- Messaging all first responders! Today, T-Mobile (NASDAQ: TMUS) announced first responders’ data is top priority on the Un-carrier’s network automatically and for free when the agency is enrolled in Wireless Priority Service (WPS). T-Mobile is the first and only wireless provider to add data priority in collaboration with the Department of Homeland Security’s (DHS) Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA). This is yet another benefit of T-Mobile’s groundbreaking Connecting Heroes program, with a streamlined WPS eligibility process.

T‑Mobile Teams with Homeland Security to Give First Responder Data Top Priority (Photo: Business Wire)

Working with CISA, T-Mobile is simplifying the process for first responders with WPS by making their data priority automatic, and not requiring them to register for it or pay an extra fee. Now, when seconds matter during times of emergency or network congestion, critical communication is prioritized across a first responder’s smartphone, hotspot and/or tablet. Plus, during extreme network congestion or limited connection, the Un-carrier commits available network resources to help maintain a minimum performance of 512kbps for applications. This means, if a first responder is in a situation where a natural disaster may impact service, T-Mobile will give network resources to them first. Similarly, if a first responder is using data in a low-coverage area, the network will automatically reallocate resources to help maintain that critical connection.

“We know in an emergency, every second counts and it’s crucial our first responders can communicate with each other whether it’s calling or sending a message. That’s why we’re working with DHS to roll out data priority — so we can be sure that the customers who need it most are getting it without a hassle,” said George Fischer, SVP of Sales, T-Mobile Business Group. “T-Mobile won’t stop when it comes to helping our first responders stay connected in the most extreme situations – and part of that is ensuring access on our network to those that need it, when they need it most.”

T-Mobile’s nationwide 5G is a game-changer for first responders who need fast speeds, high capacity and low latency. T-Mobile is the most awarded 5G network in the nation with more than 20 reports in the last two years from third-party industry experts like Ookla and umlaut granting T-Mobile 5G top marks. As America’s 5G leader with the country’s largest, fastest and most reliable 5G network, the Un-carrier’s Extended Range 5G covers nearly everyone in the country – 315 million people across 1.8 million square miles. 225 million people nationwide are covered with super-fast Ultra Capacity 5G, and T-Mobile expects to cover 260 million in 2022 and 300 million next year. All that capacity means T-Mobile has first responders covered from large cities to rural towns.

Connecting Heroes is part of T-Mobile’s 10-year commitment to provide free service and 5G access to first responders — all public and non-profit state and local fire, police and EMS departments, and emergency call centers including 911 (PSAPs/ECCs) — potentially saving them up to $7 billion. Since the launch two years ago, first responder agencies and departments around the country have enjoyed the benefits of wireless plans with priority access and preemption, free 5G smartphone service with unlimited data and more 5G smartphones and rugged devices to choose from than ever. Last fall the Un-carrier announced a partnership with Visual Labs so first responders can turn a smartphone into an all-in-one body cam and communications solution. Plus, T-Mobile offers a discount for individual first responders and their families — Magenta First Responder — with 50% off family lines compared to Magenta.

For more information on the evolution of Connecting Heroes, visit www.T-Mobile.com/connectingheroes. To enroll in WPS for both voice and data lines, please email WPSMassActivation@T-Mobile.com.

Follow T-Mobile’s Official Twitter Newsroom @TMobileNews to stay up to date with the latest company news.

Magenta First Responder: Present verification for account holder at activation, maintain first responder line, & re-verify when requested; otherwise plan becomes Magenta (additional cost up to $20/line per month). T-Mobile’s is America’s largest and most awarded 5G network with the most individual awards for nationwide 5G metrics in public reports from independent industry experts. Capable device required; coverage not available in some areas and may be impacted by emergencies; check your response area. Some uses may require certain plan or feature; see T-Mobile.com. Fastest: Based on median, overall combined 5G speeds according to analysis by Ookla® of Speedtest Intelligence® data 5G download speeds for Q2 2022. Ookla trademarks used under license and reprinted with permission. Most Reliable: According to an audit report conducted by independent third-party umlaut containing crowdsourced data for user experience including task completion collected from November 2021 to May 2022. Full details at: www.umlaut.com/en/benchmarking/USA. WPS eligibility must be confirmed by USDHS. Functionality for WPS users (including priority access, preemption, and data priority) may not be available while roaming. Completion of calls not guaranteed. Connecting Heroes available to qualifying agencies’ first responder lines; eligibility verified. Video typically streams in SD quality.

About CISA

As the nation’s cyber defense agency, the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) leads the national effort to understand, manage, and reduce risk to the digital and physical infrastructure Americans rely on every hour of every day. Visit CISA.gov for more information.

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 Bellevue, Wash., T-Mobile provides services through its subsidiaries and operates its flagship brands, T-Mobile, Metro by T-Mobile and Sprint. For more information please visit: https://www.t-mobile.com.

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20220731005055/en/

Media Contacts

T-Mobile US, Inc. Media Relations

MediaRelations@t-mobile.com 

Investor Relations Contact

T-Mobile US, Inc.

investor.relations@t-mobile.com

http://investor.t-mobile.com

Source: T-Mobile US, Inc.

FAQ

What is T-Mobile's new initiative for first responders?

T-Mobile has introduced automatic data priority for first responders enrolled in the Wireless Priority Service (WPS) at no extra cost.

How does the data priority service work during emergencies?

The service prioritizes communication for first responders during network congestion, ensuring critical connections remain active.

What are the potential savings from T-Mobile's Connecting Heroes program?

The Connecting Heroes initiative could save first responders up to $7 billion over ten years.

How many people does T-Mobile's 5G network currently cover?

T-Mobile's 5G network currently covers over 225 million people in the U.S. and is expanding to reach more in the coming years.