T-Mobile to increase network capacity for customers; expand roaming for Sprint customers

March 14, 2020: Now, more than ever, as school and workplace closures happen across the country, reliable internet connectivity is crucial. We know customers are relying on our nationwide network to ensure they have connections with family, loved ones, service providers and the latest up-to-date information. Keeping customers connected is our highest priority at this difficult time.

In addition to measures announced Friday -- removing smartphone data caps for all customers, adding more hotspot data, expanding data access for EmpowerED schools, free calling to severely impacted countries, free shipping and more -- we plan to expand capacity for customers with compatible devices for 60 days by deploying 600 MHz spectrum from multiple companies, including Bluewater, Channel 51, Comcast, DISH, Grain Management affiliate NewLevel, LLC, LB Holdings and Omega Wireless, LLC in the markets where it can be quickly deployed. FCC Chairman Pai has led the way for an industry-wide response with the Keep Americans Connected Pledge, and these partnerships help address critical broadband needs during this pandemic. Pending FCC approval, we expect to rapidly place this additional spectrum into service within days.

We’ve also expanded roaming access for Sprint customers to use the T-Mobile network. With expanded roaming access tens of thousands of locations nationwide, schools and families connected to Sprint’s network will have expanded coverage and capacity – including in rural areas – over the next 60 days.

“In trying times like this, we understand how important it is for people to remain connected – to family and friends, to resources and information, to their jobs via teleworking or schools via virtual classrooms. And we take our responsibility to keep our customers connected incredibly seriously,” said Neville Ray, President of Technology for T-Mobile. “We can’t thank these partners and the FCC enough for coming together to provide people across the country with the critical connectivity they’re relying on right now.”

T-Mobile’s network is fully operational, and we are taking all necessary measures to ensure our network and critical facilities remain that way. Furthermore, to ensure our network continues to perform for all customers even under anticipated times with heavier traffic, we have Network Operations Centers that operate 24 hours a day, seven days a week to monitor our network traffic, including calls to 911, and a widespread technician workforce that is able to rapidly respond to any issues.

We’ve also taken steps to ensure remote access to network management systems that will allow us to quickly deploy the additional spectrum, which will increase our network capacity, helping ensure that both T-Mobile and Sprint customers via roaming have the access they need to stay connected during this critical time.