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CONNECTING HEROES

Free unlimited service
for first responder agencies.

T-Mobile delivers America’s largest and fastest 5G network to first responders. And with priority access and preemption for WPS users, critical communications go to the front of the line — when it’s needed most.

See eligibility
For state & local fire, police, and EMS agencies' first responder lines; eligibility verified. Video typically streams on smartphone/tablet at DVD quality (480p). Coverage not available in some areas and may be impacted by emergencies; check your response area. Capable device required for 5G.

Overview

OUR COMMITMENT

We’re pledging $7.7B over 10 years.

We know first responder agencies face tough budget decisions, but they shouldn’t have to decide between critical equipment and wireless services. Connecting Heroes can help.

In an emergency when severe network congestion is possible, first responders need to know they’ll have priority access to our network and that critical communications will move to the front of the line. 

See how it works
Requires WPS enrollment; eligibility must be confirmed by USDHS. WPS functionality (including priority access and preemption) may not be available while roaming. Completion of calls not guaranteed.

By combining networks, T-Mobile now has more towers, more engineers, and more bandwidth than ever before—keeping first responders connected in more places than ever before.

Capable device required; coverage not available in some areas.

To show our appreciation for first responder agencies who go above and beyond during critical times, we proudly provide 5G access to every first responder who needs it.

Video typically streams on smartphone/tablet at DVD quality (480p).

Law enforcement officers are more effective and situationally aware when they go mobile. Connecting Heroes provides a robust network with priority and preemption while providing excellent support and cost savings.

Get the case study

We’re building out 5G coverage to all corners of America, helping first responders like the Hampton Valley Forge, TN fire department stay connected at the most crucial times.

Capable device required; coverage not available in some areas.

THE CRITERIA

How to participate.

1. Agency types.

Eligible agencies include state or local police & sheriff, fire, and emergency medical services that support one of the following:

  • Cities
  • Counties
  • States
  • Districts or municipalities
  • Tribal

 

2. Active duty employees.

You must maintain active government duty employees in one of the following:

  • Police, fire, or emergency medical services first responders
  • Public safety or law enforcement command
  • Police, sheriff, fire, or emergency medical services
  • Police or fire chiefs and their staff
  • Police or fire field command
  • Police or fire dispatch
  • 911 call centers

3. Business account.

You must establish a business account in the name of the state or local government agency.

Additional eligibility details about this plan.

  • Volunteer inclusion.
    Inclusion of volunteers within Government First Responder rate plans will be at the discretion of the station chief or commander in consultation with T-Mobile.
  • Ineligible organizations.
    Private, for-profit public safety institutions will not be eligible for this program.
  • Special considerations.
    Exceptions may be made for stations with a predominantly auxiliary/volunteer force and non-profit first responders’ organizations.
  • Plan options for individuals.
    Connecting Heroes is designed for first responder agencies. For individuals without a line provided by an agency, our best discount for first responders and their families is our Go5G First Responder plan.

Go5G First Responder plan gives first responders and their families 40% off lines 2-6 vs. Go5G with AutoPay discount using eligible payment method, without Autopay, $5 more/line/mo; debit or bank acct req’d. Sales tax and regulatory fees included in monthly rate plan price (see in-store materials for specifics in your state).

We’re working with Visual Labs – the smartphone body camera company – to give first responders access to a body camera solution that helps them do their job safely and efficiently.

Get the details

Connecting Heroes® is a P3 where T-Mobile supplies free, subsidized, and low-cost smartphone connectivity and technology assistance to state and local first responders.

Read the article

Ready to get your agency started?

See our individual plans

CASE STUDIES

See how we’re empowering first responders when they need it most.

With increased coverage, bandwidth and data reliability, Rescue 101 Search and Rescue (Ohio) and the Hampton Valley Forge Volunteer Fire Department (Tennessee) now work more quickly while better serving their communities, too.

Read the case study

Like many small public safety agencies, the Bay Minette Police Department (Alabama) must carefully manage its budget. The department was able to provide smartphone service to all patrol officers—without spending a dime.

Read the case study

Ready to get your agency started?

OUR NETWORK AND COVERAGE

Keeping first responders connected.

By combining networks, first responders can stay connected with fast, nationwide coverage. 

A map of the United States using two shades of magenta to demonstrate the expansive 4G LTE and 5G coverage

With America’s largest 5G network and 4G LTE that covers 99% of Americans, we keep your agency connected.

Get the details
Map includes 600MHz coverage. T-Mobile is America's Largest 5G network & Opensignal Awards T-Mobile as America's Fastest 5G network – USA: 5G User Experience Report January 2021. Capable device required; coverage not available in some areas. Some uses may require certain plan or feature.

Questions about Connecting Heroes?

  • T-Mobile is making a 10-year commitment to provide every public and non-profit state and local law enforcement, fire and EMS first responder agency across the country the ability to get free unlimited talk, text and smartphone data.

  • This plan is available to public state and local agencies that manage Police & Sheriff, Fire, and Emergency Medical Services for cities, counties and states.

    • Eligible individuals at the above agencies include: 
      • Police: sheriff and police chiefs, command, staff, dispatch, and career auxiliary/volunteer 
      • Fire: chiefs, command, staff, dispatch career auxiliary/volunteer 
      • Emergency Medical Services 
      • 911 call centers

  • The free Heroes plan will include unlimited smartphone talk text and data with 1GB of 4G LTE mobile hotspot with 3G speeds thereafter.

    • The plan will also include Mobile without Borders and video streaming at DVD quality (480p).
    • The $15/month per line, Heroes AMP plan includes 20GB of mobile hotspot, unlimited texting + 5GB High-Speed in 11 European countries and unlimited data, up to 256 kbps, in 210+ countries and destinations , plus free In-flight texting, Wi-Fi and now streaming.

    Other Connecting Heroes rate plans include 5G smartphones at no additional cost and even more high-speed mobile hotspot. There is a rate plan for every budget.

  • Yes! The plan will include free access to T-Mobile’s 5G network!

  • Yes, first responders enrolled in Wireless Priority Service (WPS) get priority access with preemption to our nationwide network. WPS gives first responders priority access to the network for voice and data. WPS may default to 4G signal in areas with standalone-only 5G.

    T-Mobile is an authorized provider of WPS by the Department of Homeland Security. With approval from DHS, T-Mobile will add WPS to your qualified lines for no charge, monthly or per minute.


    Details are available at     https://www.dhs.gov/cisa/wireless-priority-service-wps

  • WPS enrollment is a separate process run through the Department of Homeland Security (DHS). T-Mobile highly recommends that WPS be added so the user can benefit from priority access to network services. Each First Responder organization must sign up with DHS to have a DHS Point of Contact (POC).

    To find or establish your DHS point of contact, fill out this form, DHS will respond to you via email.

  • First responder data remains at the highest priority on our network, no matter how much data they need during emergencies or natural disasters.

Connect your first responder agency today.