At T-Mobile, we stand ready to serve those who serve us and are proud to support our veterans. Personally, I grew up admiring a veteran in my immediate family — my grandfather who served in the U.S. Army during World War II. Through our deep friendship and connection, I grew an appreciation and awe for veterans and their service to our country.

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I am proud to be able to say T-Mobile truly values military service. One way we demonstrate that value is through a strong partnership with the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). Over the years I have seen our relationship grow as we work closely to help veterans get or stay connected. Even now, as the VA National Homeless Program Office works with <a href="http://minburntech.com/">Minburn Technology Group</a> and their subcontractor Iron Bow Technologies to help homeless and at-risk veterans stay safe and connected to healthcare resources, caregivers and their supports, we are proud to be a part of facilitating the deployment of wirelessly connected mobile devices.

After returning from combat in Afghanistan, Minburn Technology founder Tony Colangelo got to work providing complex hardware, software and service solutions to Federal, State and Fortune 500 organizations. Still active in the Army Reserves, Tony knows firsthand the importance of ensuring veterans have access to mental health resources and healthcare providers — and realized Minburn could help.

Today, Minburn Technology, a Service-Disabled Veteran Owned Small Business, is on a mission to provide critical communications for at-risk and homeless veterans. The company is working closely with the Veterans Health Administration (VHA) National Homeless Program Office on an initiative funded by the CARES Act to distribute smartphones with T-Mobile service at no cost to veterans receiving homeless program services during the national COVID-19 pandemic. To further supplement these efforts, Minburn works alongside the VHA, which continues to have a significant impact on suicide prevention for veterans around the country according to the <a href="https://www.mentalhealth.va.gov/docs/data-sheets/2020/2020-National-Veteran-Suicide-Prevention-Annual-Report-11-2020-508.pdf">2020 National Suicide Prevention Annual Report</a>. The report recently found that suicide rates went down for veterans that used VHA services between 2017 and 2018.

While keeping veterans connected is core to the VA’s mission, the importance of telehealth cannot be understated. The VA recognized the need for telehealth and embraced it as part of its commitment to provide the best possible care to veterans as part of their Anywhere to Anywhere initiative, a program allowing VA health care teams to treat veterans regardless of where they live, including health care access across state lines. In December 2018, the VA and T-Mobile kicked off a partnership to provide free wireless service for the VA’s telehealth app, making healthcare more accessible to millions of veterans. With remote access to the VA Video Connect (VVC) application, veteran patients can connect with their VA medical provider via video conference services on multiple platforms. 

This year highlighted the critical role of telehealth and underscored the need for a connection people can depend on. Shortly after the start of the pandemic, the VA saw an 800% surge in telehealth visits and nearly 20,000 patients meeting with their VA healthcare teams daily. That upsurge has continued over the year and has now reached a more than 1,600% increase. T-Mobile is proud be a part of that connection with the VA and the team at Minburn Technology Group, as collectively our work helps veterans get the healthcare they deserve while bridging the digital divide.

Now, more than ever, people are feeling isolated and out of touch. The Un-carrier is proud to power the connectivity needed to combat loneliness and mental health challenges. We want all armed forces to know that WE ARE WITH YOU — all year ‘round, not just during November’s Veterans & Military Families Appreciation month! At T-Mobile, we are actively looking for ways to champion military members and their families in meaningful ways, whether it’s hiring commitments, career programs or the T-Mobile Magenta Military rate plan, you can learn more <a href="https://www.t-mobile.com/business/government/federal-government">here</a>.

This November, I am thankful for the freedoms we enjoy as Americans and for those who have served and currently serve our country to make that possible.

T-Mobile Newsroom

The Un-carrier is proud to power the connectivity needed to combat loneliness and mental health challenges. We want all armed forces to know that WE ARE WITH YOU.

Caring for Homeless Veterans with U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs | T-Mobile Newsroom

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Caring for Homeless Veterans with U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs

Sean Cameron

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What’s the news: Amid the COVID-19 pandemic, stressful holiday season and National Veterans and Military Families Month, T-Mobile announced that it is the first major wireless provider to make the 988 emergency lifeline immediately available to its customers. Starting today, customers who dial 988 on the T-Mobile network will have free access to approximately 180 crisis centers that offer real-time, lifesaving mental health services from professionally trained counselors.

Why it matters: Suicide is a national health crisis that leads to one death every 11 minutes. An average of 17.6 of America’s military veterans die by suicide each day and a larger number of people than ever are showing signs of clinical anxiety or depression amid the COVID-19 pandemic. The three-digit 988 dial-out makes it easier for Americans in crisis to access the help they need and experts believe it will decrease the stigma surrounding mental health issues longer term.

Who it’s for: Those who recognize that rapid access to suicide prevention and mental health counseling is critical, especially now.

BELLEVUE, Wash. — November 20, 2020 —T-Mobile has once again demonstrated its commitment to getting customers the essential connectivity they need at the most important times. The Un-carrier announced today that it is the first major wireless provider to activate the new nationwide 988-emergency lifeline for customers on the T-Mobile network. Those in need of free mental health support can now get it immediately by dialing 988 to be connected directly to the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline, a network of approximately 180 local- and state-funded crisis centers.

As mental health issues rise and suicide rates climb, this critical service couldn’t come quick enough. According to the most recent annual data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 15.4 million American adults seriously thought about, made a plan for, or attempted suicide, and suicide claims the lives of over 48,000 annually—one death every 11 minutes. Veterans are hit particularly hard; on average, 17.6 veterans take their own lives every day. And this year the U.S. enters the holiday season with the added stress of the COVID-19 pandemic. In fact, recent research found that one third of Americans – more than ever before - are showing signs of clinical anxiety or depression as a result of COVID-19.

T-Mobile moved quickly to take necessary measures needed to activate this service for its customers far ahead of the July 2022 deadline established by the Federal Communications Commission earlier this year. T-Mobile modified its nationwide network to translate and route 988 calls to the existing National Suicide Prevention Lifeline number, updated its billing system to ensure no customer will be charged for using the service and created a bounce-back message so anyone texting 988 on the T-Mobile network will get an immediate response advising them to place a voice call to 988.  

“T-Mobile knows how much our customers depend on us for reliable connectivity and when someone needs access to mental health support, seconds truly matter. Giving our customers a quick connection via 988 to trained mental health care professionals was a priority for us because it could save lives,” said T-Mobile’s Executive Vice President and Chief Technology Officer Abdul Saad. "Making 988 available to our customers was a matter of urgency for us, particularly as the COVID-19 pandemic continues and the holiday season approaches. And it's particularly meaningful to launch this during November as we recognize the contributions and acknowledge the sacrifices of our military veterans. I'm proud that T-Mobile is doing our part to help get this lifesaving tool in the hands of those who will benefit from it." 

Anyone who needs help can find it by calling the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-8255 (1-800-273-TALK) and through online chats. Veterans and service members may reach the Veterans Crisis Line by pressing 1 after dialing, as well as by chatting online at www.veteranscrisisline.net or texting 838255.

About T-Mobile T-Mobile U.S. 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: <a href="http://www.t-mobile.com/">http://www.t-mobile.com</a>.

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What’s the news: Amid the COVID-19 pandemic, stressful holiday season and National Veterans and Military Families Month, T-Mobile announced that it is the

T-Mobile Makes 988 Emergency Lifeline’s Critical Mental Health Support Services Immediately Available to Customers | T-Mobile Newsroom

T-Mobile Makes 988 Emergency Lifeline’s Critical Mental Health Support Services Immediately Available to Customers

Kate Stevens

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To add a little more Magenta to your messaging this holiday, simply download the keyboard now

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We’ve already helped you show your Magenta pride in your virtual meetings and happy hours with <a href="https://www.t-mobile.com/news/community/virtual-backgrounds-for-zoom-teams-webex-meetings">T-Mobile landmark virtual backgrounds</a>. Now keep the creativity flowing in your family group phone chats this Thanksgiving in true Un-carrier style with … T-MOJIS!

Whether you’re letting everyone know when the food coma hits or wishing your friends and family a safe and healthy holiday, you can do it with a series of stylish stickers, tailor made for the Magenta family. They’re full of T-Mobile energy, and include CEO Mike Sievert, Captain MEGAHertz, DE&I pride and a few Thanksgiving treats to complement any Turkey Day festivities.

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It’s super easy to download the keyboard to your device and start using them today. iPhone or Android user? It doesn’t matter! You just need to start by opening the Apple App Store or Google Play Store on your mobile device.

APP INSTALL INSTRUCTIONS:

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Watch here to see the tutorial in action!

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KEYBOARD EXTENSION iOS ONLY

In order to access T-MOJIS directly within your keyboard, go to: Settings > General > Keyboard > Keyboards > Add New Keyboard > TMOJIS

Then, simply access your keyboard in iMessage, and it will appear as an icon on the right-hand side. Tap on that icon, and then simply select which sticker to message!

Sticker Share: To send stickers from within the app, simply select “send stickers” from the app homepage, and select the sticker you want to send, then the app you’d like to share it to.

Photobomb: To decorate existing photos with T-MOJIS, or take existing ones and decorate on the spot, you can either select Photobomb from the home screen, or the camera icon on the upper left-hand corner after selecting “send stickers.”

If you’re going to also be gathering via video call this Thanksgiving, download the latest T-Mobile landmark virtual backgrounds for your Zoom, Teams or Web-ex get-together here: <a href="https://www.t-mobile.com/news/community/virtual-backgrounds-for-zoom-teams-webex-meetings">Get Your Very Own T‑Mobile Landmark Virtual Background! (Now with 5G!)</a>

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Add a little Magenta to your Turkey Day messaging! Whether you’re letting everyone know when the food coma hits or wishing your friends and family a safe and healthy holiday, you can do it with stylish T-MOJIS stickers.

Introducing: T-MOJIS! A Thanksgiving Celebration for Your Phone | T-Mobile Newsroom

Introducing: T-MOJIS! A Thanksgiving Celebration for Your Phone

JasonAdams

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What’s the news: In coordination with Nevada Attorney General Aaron D. Ford and his office, T-Mobile has launched its new Apprenticeship Program. The Un-carrier has hired its first 10 participants for roles on the Care team at its Las Vegas Customer Experience Center and virtually on the Technology team—and is already making plans to expand the program into more states and areas within the company.

Why it matters: T-Mobile’s Apprenticeship Program is creating amazing career opportunities for diverse talent to learn new skills through hands-on experiences. Participants earn while they learn, gain skills and experience that open up amazing career opportunities and get access to the Un-carrier’s world class benefits.

Who it’s for: Anyone with a passion to learn new skills and be a part of the Un-carrier’s workforce of the future.

Bellevue, Wash. — November 19, 2020 — Today, T-Mobile announced that it has successfully launched its new six-year Apprenticeship Program in the state of Nevada. Created in coordination with the Nevada Attorney General's Office and the Nevada Governor's Office of Workforce Innovation and the Nevada State Apprenticeship Council, the program has already filled ten paid apprenticeship roles on its Care and Technology teams, including seven at its Customer Experience Center in Las Vegas. By the fourth year of the program, T-Mobile will select 15 apprentices annually for Nevada-based opportunities and intends to use the Nevada program as a model to expand the apprenticeship program in other states as it builds a workforce that is best positioned to serve consumers and expand the company’s leadership in the 5G era.

The apprenticeship program, an example of the real benefits T-Mobile’s merger with Sprint has created for consumers across the country, resulted from discussions with Attorney General Ford, and his Nevada Bureau of Consumer Protection. For 12 months, T-Mobile apprentices learn new skills through 144 hours of hands-on experience, performing important work at T-Mobile in highly skilled roles. The apprentices receive nationally recognized training and classroom instruction credentialed through the U.S. Department of Labor, and partner with mentors and receive step-by-step coaching from their manager.

“T-Mobile has always made it a priority to grow and develop a diverse workforce because there are tremendous benefits all around! This new Apprenticeship Program that we’re kicking off in Nevada will be the model for our future nationwide program, creating meaningful opportunities for diverse talent who will play a critical role in driving our Un-carrier success,” said Deeanne King, T-Mobile’s Chief Human Resources Officer. “Nevadans have everything we’re looking for to kick off this program - diverse backgrounds and perspectives, a passion for creating a great customer experience, and an eagerness to learn new skills. We thank Attorney General Ford and his team for their leadership, and we’re excited to see the positive outcomes from this program!”

“I couldn’t be prouder of the efforts of my office that have resulted in opportunities for Nevadans and other states around the country to obtain jobs and learn valuable skills through a structured apprenticeship program,” said Attorney General Aaron D. Ford. “T-Mobile has demonstrated a commitment to Nevada consumers that extends beyond just lower prices for products and services. When my office presented the idea of an apprenticeship program, T-Mobile embraced the opportunity and I am pleased to see its early and long-term success.”

T-Mobile Apprentices join a company that has consistently been featured on national, regional and state “Best Place to Work” lists year after year—more than 70 national and local workplace awards in 2019, including recognition as a great employer for parents, diversity, women, Hispanics, LGBTQ and more. In addition to great pay, T-Mobile employees are eligible to receive the company’s outstanding benefits, including health coverage, college tuition assistance, a childcare subsidy benefit, paid parental leave and adoption/surrogacy benefits. They will also have opportunities for career development and management preparation.

Find out more about T-Mobile’s career opportunities on the T-Mobile Careers <a href="https://www.t-mobile.com/careers">site</a>.

About T-Mobile T-Mobile U.S. 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: <a href="https://cts.businesswire.com/ct/CT?id=smartlink&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.t-mobile.com%2F&esheet=52321646&newsitemid=20201106005342&lan=en-US&anchor=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.t-mobile.com&index=7&md5=69f49b59c279f5e231e1966f993f5cda">http://www.t-mobile.com</a>.

In coordination with Nevada Attorney General Aaron D. Ford and his office, T-Mobile has launched its new Apprenticeship Program.

T-Mobile Rolls Out Apprenticeship Program Offering Industry-Leading Career Opportunities to Nevadans–and Beyond | T-Mobile Newsroom

T-Mobile Rolls Out Apprenticeship Program Offering Industry-Leading Career Opportunities to Nevadans–and Beyond

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What’s the news: Starting on World Kindness Day (Nov.13) through Giving Tuesday (Dec. 1) and ending on Dec.4, 2020, T-Mobile is closing out this year by spreading the love and asking everyone to #CaptureKindness. Photos and stories posted on social media, along with customer clicks in the T-Mobile Tuesdays App on Giving Tuesday, will translate to the Un-carrier’s biggest contribution to Feeding America® ever — up to 15 million meals* delivered to families across the U.S.

Why it matters: Millions of Americans are facing food insecurity right now, particularly due to the devastating impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. T-Mobile wants to give back and do it while making others feel good — providing people a reason to smile and hopefully encouraging all of us to reconnect with our communities. Leave it up to the Supercharged Un-Carrier to help supercharge America’s kindness (with even more kindness!) through the #CaptureKindness campaign.

Who it’s for:  Anyone who needs a little positivity in their life right now (and who doesn’t!?!).

Bellevue, Wash. — November 13, 2020 — Love and connection are at the heart of who T-Mobile is, and this Giving Season it’s pretty clear we ALL need more of both! So, starting on World Kindness Day (Nov. 13) through Giving Tuesday (Dec. 1) and ending on Dec. 4, 2020, the Un-Carrier is inviting everyone to #CaptureKindness through social media posts and T-Mobile Tuesday clicks — and help Feeding America®, the country’s largest hunger-relief nonprofit, deliver millions of meals to people facing food insecurity.

As Feeding America® estimates up to 50 million families are impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic, there is a critical need this holiday season. So, T-Mobile is stepping up with its biggest donation goal to date to support Feeding America’s mission to end hunger — 15 million meals — and they’re asking customers, fans and employees to join them. Here’s how:

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“2020 has been filled with a lot of unexpected challenges, important milestones and big moments — and through it all, T-Mobile has been there for our customers as a reliable and consistent lifeline to the world. Now we want to help end this year on a high note and spread some goodness and positivity — just what everyone needs! We love the idea of people coming together to #CaptureKindness, using their devices to share goodwill and love, and giving back to those in our communities who need it most right now,” said T-Mobile CEO Mike Sievert. “I can’t wait to see that Kind-0-Meter tick up and up every single day with photos, posts and likes!”

“After the year we’ve had, we could all use some extra compassion in our lives. And like T-Mobile is showing, we can also spread some love to those who need it most. Fifty million Americans facing food insecurity is a sharp increase from last year's 34.5 million, so I want to say thank you to T-Mobile for helping us finish the year by bringing more meals --- and kindness — to more hungry families across the country,” said Claire Babineaux-Fontenot, CEO of Feeding America.

But the goodness doesn’t stop there. Because T-Mobile employees are passionate about giving back to their communities, the T-Mobile Foundation is giving each employee $20 to contribute to a charity of their choice, AND matching employees’ personal donations 2:1 (up to $750,000, and up to $4,000 per employee) from Dec.1 to Dec. 31, 2020.

Be sure to watch <a href="http://www.tmobilecapturekindness.com/">http://www.tmobilecapturekindness.com/</a> this holiday season!

*$1 helps provide at least 10 meals secured by Feeding America on behalf of local member food banks. Nov. 13, 2020 through Dec. 4, 2020: Minimum donation of $100,000.

Love and connection are at the heart of who T-Mobile is, and this Giving Season it’s pretty clear we ALL need more of both! So, starting on World Kindness Day (Nov. 13) through Giving Tuesday (Dec. 1) and ending on Dec. 4, 2020, the Un-Carrier is inviting everyone to #CaptureKindness through social media posts and T-Mobile Tuesday clicks — and help Feeding America®, the country’s largest hunger-relief nonprofit, deliver millions of meals to people facing food insecurity.

T-Mobile Kicks Off #CaptureKindness Campaign to Help Feeding America® Give 15 Million Meals and Take Back 2020 With a Magenta Wave of Positivity | T-Mobile Newsroom

T-Mobile Kicks Off #CaptureKindness Campaign to Help Feeding America® Give 15 Million Meals and Take Back 2020 With a Magenta Wave of Positivity

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As National Disability Employment Awareness Month draws to a close, I want to talk about how important it is to acknowledge and celebrate — all year long — the countless contributions of America’s workers with disabilities. And with a son who was physically impacted a few years ago by a severe skiing accident, along with a cousin who is Deaf, I have a personal connection to disability. Through them and others, I recognize the challenges that exist for these individuals and the incredible value that they can add to any company’s team.

I read a really compelling stat that underscored how untapped the disabled workforce is: If just 1 percent of the <a href="https://www.accenture.com/_acnmedia/PDF-89/Accenture-Disability-Inclusion-Research-Report.pdf#zoom=50">10.7 million working-age people with disabilities in the U.S.</a> who are available to join the workforce started jobs, the influx would boost America’s GDP by a massive $25 billion! Here’s why: Disability drives innovation.

Think about it. People with disabilities conquer hurdles every day that other folks might never consider. They navigate a world that isn’t necessarily built for them, and they do so by applying a combination of creativity, agility, resilience, perseverance and willingness to experiment. That makes them natural, intuitive innovators who companies like Microsoft, IBM, Salesforce, Dell and many others have attracted through dedicated “ability hiring” initiatives. In fact, companies that qualify as “champions” on the <a href="https://nam02.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fdisabilityin.org%2Fwhat-we-do%2Fdisability-equality-index%2F2020companies%2F&data=04%7C01%7CJonathan.Zwickel1%40T-Mobile.com%7C15a4c4c59669456da10708d87170db81%7Cbe0f980bdd994b19bd7bbc71a09b026c%7C0%7C0%7C637384076822331550%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJWIjoiMC4wLjAwMDAiLCJQIjoiV2luMzIiLCJBTiI6Ik1haWwiLCJXVCI6Mn0%3D%7C1000&sdata=0PoxnXmSfpkbcpE23GsWDNC59ZFKMJxB0nwb4HkpzWI%3D&reserved=0">Disability Equality Index</a> — meaning they are committed to strengthening the bridge between business and the disability communities — achieved on average 28% higher revenue over a four-year period, double the net income and 30% higher economic profit margins.

T-Mobile is one of those Diversity, Equity and Inclusion champions because we encourage our employees to bring their unique differences to work every day. And, by the way, this makes good business sense. Those differences make us collectively smarter, stronger and more customer-centric. As persons with disabilities are <a href="https://nam02.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.dol.gov%2Fagencies%2Fodep%2Fpublications%2Fstatistics&data=04%7C01%7CJonathan.Zwickel1%40T-Mobile.com%7C15a4c4c59669456da10708d87170db81%7Cbe0f980bdd994b19bd7bbc71a09b026c%7C0%7C0%7C637384076822321598%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJWIjoiMC4wLjAwMDAiLCJQIjoiV2luMzIiLCJBTiI6Ik1haWwiLCJXVCI6Mn0%3D%7C1000&sdata=hLbnxPNB8s2POmoRpfHFMs4LTe3HO7aW1XlUvxb1ck8%3D&reserved=0">the third-largest market segment</a> in the U.S. after Hispanics and African Americans, we need to have a workforce that understands, reflects and support their needs. This is where our amazing group of 11,000 employees who are part of our <a href="https://www.t-mobile.com/careers/culture-and-benefits/diversity">Accessibility Community at T-Mobile, or ACT</a>, comes in. These employees — some with disabilities, others who are friends, family or allies of those with disabilities — remind us of the doors that open when we’re inclusive.

This is foundational to our culture at T-Mobile, just as it was at Sprint for many, many years. In fact, this year Sprint Accessibility, a team that develops, markets and distributes communication products and services for customers who are Deaf, DeafBlind (Deaf and Blind), have hearing or vision loss or cognitive, speech or mobility disabilities, celebrated its 30-year anniversary! Impressive, especially when you consider that the Americans with Disabilities Act — the landmark decision that mandated that states provide reasonable services and accommodations for people with disabilities — is the same age.

Many employees of what is now the <a href="https://www.t-mobile.com/responsibility/consumer-info/accessibility-policy">T-Mobile Accessibility</a> team following our merger are themselves people with disabilities — employees like Ken Arcia, a customer relations manager for T-Mobile. Ken, who is Deaf/Hard of Hearing, provides accessibility solutions to customers and state agencies in Arizona, Nevada and North Dakota. He also showcases T-Mobile’s products for those who are Deaf/Hard of Hearing at trade shows around the country. And Hannah Defelice, a Blind/Low-Vision customer relationship manager who herself is DeafBlind. They are proud to share their stories with the wider world, Ken as a frequent guest speaker at schools and colleges and Hannah as a paratriathlete.

Both use T-Mobile accessibility products and services like <a href="https://www.sprintrelay.com/iprelay">IP Relay</a> and <a href="https://sprintcaptel.com/">CapTel</a> for work and personal communication. And they achieve meaningful connections with their colleagues and customers in the disabled community simply by being who they are, true assets to our company culture and our business. As Ken likes to point out, SMS messaging, aka texting, was originally developed for the Deaf/Hard of Hearing community. How’s that for an accessibility innovation that the entire world has embraced?!

Yet there is still so much more we can do to be better. To further our inclusive hiring and work-culture practices, our recently-announced <a href="https://www.t-mobile.com/news/community/meet-the-civil-rights-leaders-joining-t-mobiles-external-diversity-and-inclusion-council">External Diversity and Inclusion Council</a> is helping us align to best practices that support diverse employees and customers. And our internal Diversity Recruiting Team is expanding T-Mobile’s partnership with the experts at Disability:IN by joining their <a href="https://disabilityin.org/what-we-do/inclusion-works/">Inclusion Works</a> program, which provides us with customized consulting to expand our culture of inclusion and develop a sustainable recruitment strategy.

In addition to our many efforts at T-Mobile to champion disability inclusion, we won’t stop listening, learning and growing. I’ve discovered that expressing our individuality is what connects us with others. Let’s ensure we’re creating company cultures that value the kind of unique perspectives that broaden opportunities not only in our workplaces, but also our world.

People with disabilities conquer hurdles every day that other folks might never consider. They navigate a world that isn’t necessarily built for them, and they do so by applying a combination of creativity, agility, resilience, perseverance and willingness to experiment.

Diversity Equals Innovation | T-Mobile Newsroom

Diversity Equals Innovation

Jonathan Zwickel

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Network Update

Our engineering teams continue working around the clock to help keep our customers connected. Overnight, our teams made significant network restoration progress in markets where we saw the greatest impacts to our network.

Over the weekend, our team will continue restoration efforts across impacted areas as it is safe to do so. We expect the network to be fully restored for our customers over the coming days.

We have a wide range of personnel and equipment to aid our response including additional generators, a fleet of temporary network solutions such as Cells on Wheels (COWs), Cells on Light Trucks (COLTs) satellite infrastructure, small cells, Mobile Command Trailers, WiFi hotspots and a host of other physical and technical capabilities to minimize interruptions for our customers.                         

Customer & Community Support

Community relief trucks will begin supporting our customers today, providing additional assistance at retail locations in impacted areas. The trucks will be providing WIFI access and charging facilities in a socially distanced manner in line with COVID restrictions.

As a reminder, T-Mobile is waiving overage charges for talk, text and data for T-Mobile and Sprint customers in select areas of Louisiana, Mississippi and Alabama who are not already on unlimited plans. From 10/28 through 11/1, we are providing unlimited talk, text and data for customers in the following locations:

A number of our stores in impacted areas remain closed today in the aftermath of the storm. As a reminder, if you need to visit us over the coming days, please reach out to your <a href="https://www.t-mobile.com/store-locator">local store</a> to confirm they are open. You can also call 611 or 1-800-937-8997 from your handset if you need assistance or have questions about your account or service and we will be happy to help.

Hurricane Zeta made landfall yesterday over the Louisiana Gulf Coast, causing widespread loss of power and outages throughout the impacted region. Our teams are actively working with local authorities to gain safe access into areas impacted by the storm.

Our engineering teams are working hard to deploy generators to impacted areas and create refueling schedules. At this stage, the majority of impacts to our network are in the following areas of the Alabama, Georgia, North Carolina and South Carolina markets:

The aftermath of large storms is often a time of high demand for wireless networks as our customers look to stay in touch with loved ones and authorities. Where possible, we recommend customers send a text instead of making a call. If you need to make a call, we encourage you to try WiFi calling (if you have a working WiFi connection) and keep calls as short as possible.

If you are a Sprint customer on the Sprint network, you can roam on the T-Mobile network if the Sprint network is impacted and T-Mobile is not.

Our teams are actively assessing support needs in communities impacted by Hurricane Zeta. T-Mobile community relief trucks are ready with a number of supplies and assets and will begin deploying where needed over the coming days.

A number of our stores in impacted markets remain closed in the aftermath of the storm. If you need to visit us, please reach out to your <a href="https://www.t-mobile.com/store-locator">local store</a> to confirm they are open. You can also call 611 or 1-800-937-8997 from your handset if you need assistance or have questions about your account or service and we will be happy to help.

Help people impacted by Hurricane Zeta. Text ZETA to 90999 to donate $10 to the American Red Cross to help those most affected by Hurricane Zeta. Your donation enables the Red Cross to prepare for, respond to and help people recover from this disaster. This includes providing food, shelter, relief supplies, emotional support and other assistance. Data and text messaging charges may apply, and the one-time donation will show up on their next T-Mobile bill. For more information, please visit: <a href="https://nam02.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.t-mobile.com%2Fcustomers%2Ftext-to-give&data=02%7C01%7CJanielle.GoGuasch%40T-Mobile.com%7C06182c2793414ec7d15708d86c8df772%7Cbe0f980bdd994b19bd7bbc71a09b026c%7C0%7C0%7C637378704358553281&sdata=33WR5xSf0sDnygXNyRo4wclwb5LqJ%2FDUcBSUnv01KVY%3D&reserved=0">https://www.t-mobile.com/customers/text-to-give</a>

See T-Mobile.com for plan information, Terms & Conditions, and other policies.

Our teams standby and continue to closely monitor the situation as Hurricane Zeta makes landfall today over the US Gulf Coast. We are working hard to ensure our employees, stores and facilities are well prepared for storm conditions.

T-Mobile is waiving overage charges for talk, text and data for T-Mobile and Sprint customers in select areas of Louisiana, Mississippi and Alabama who are not already on unlimited plans. From 10/28 through 11/1, we are providing unlimited talk, text and data for customers in the following locations:

A number of our stores in projected areas of impact are taking safety precautions and may be closed. If you need to visit us, please reach out to your <a href="https://www.t-mobile.com/store-locator" data-type="URL" data-id="https://www.t-mobile.com/store-locator">local store</a> to confirm they are open. You can also call 611 or 1-800-937-8997 from your handset if you need assistance or have questions about your account or service and we will be happy to help.

Over the coming days, you can stay up to date on our Hurricane Zeta response and recovery efforts via the following channels:

As Tropical Storm Zeta makes its way across the Gulf of Mexico towards the US Gulf Coast, T-Mobile is closely monitoring the situation and taking steps to ready our emergency response teams to help in impacted communities, as needed. Our teams are prepared to deploy additional personnel and network support equipment as necessary to minimize any potential service interruptions in affected areas.

Part of our preparations may include closing some stores in the coming days, depending on the projected track of the storm. If you need to visit one of our locations, please reach out to your <a href="https://www.t-mobile.com/store-locator">local store</a> to confirm their status.

We know how important staying connected is during these events. As a reminder, the majority of T-Mobile and Sprint customers are on plans offering unlimited talk, text and data.

If you are in an area that could potentially be impacted, we encourage you to follow any evacuation orders that may be issued by local authorities and hope that you stay safe over the coming days. In the meantime, we recommend customers, particularly in areas of impact along the Gulf Coast, take the following steps to prepare themselves.

More information on how T-Mobile prepares for storms like Tropical Storm Zeta, is available in the <a href="https://www.t-mobile.com/news/community/preparing-for-the-2020-hurricane-season" data-type="URL" data-id="https://www.t-mobile.com/news/community/preparing-for-the-2020-hurricane-season">T-Mobile Newsroom</a>.

*During congestion, customers using >50GB/mo. and Essentials customers may notice lower speeds than other customers due to data prioritization. Metro by T-Mobile customers using >35GB/mo. may notice reduced speeds and Metro customers may notice reduced speeds vs. T-Mobile due to prioritization. 

UPDATE: October 30th Network Update                                                                                                              Our

T-Mobile Responds to Hurricane Zeta | T-Mobile Newsroom

T-Mobile Responds to Hurricane Zeta

AlexandraFidler

https://www.t-mobile.com/news/community/t-mobile-responds-to-zeta

From September 15 to October 15, T-Mobile observed Hispanic Heritage Month with a host of virtual celebrations, panel talks and educational events. It all culminated last week with a blockbuster Talking with Trailblazers, the company’s ongoing internal guest-speaker series, with multi-hyphenate actor-activist-philanthropist Rosario Dawson, who joined from her New Jersey home to speak with EVP and Chief Human Resources Officer Deeanne King with a few thousand employees in attendance.

Dawson is best-known for portraying hard-nosed heroes in action movies like Men in Black, Sin City and Zombieland: Double Tap, but she’s also been a staunch supporter of youth and minority equity for years. She’s the co-founder of <a href="https://votolatino.org/">Voto Latino,</a> a T-Mobile partner organization that encourages voting within the Latinx community, and serves on the board of <a href="https://www.vday.org/">V-Day,</a> an anti-violence nonprofit. She advocates for neighborhood social services with the <a href="https://www.girlsclub.org/">Lower East Side Girls Club</a> in Manhattan.

In a far-reaching conversation, Dawson spoke about the importance of both being informed of the past and engaged in the future, as well as her own journey being of Latinx mixed-race heritage. Here are five key takeaways.

Knowing about our diverse history makes us stronger as individuals and as a nation. “It’s so remarkable to me to think about all of the people that had to exist and survive and get through all the different histories that I’ve learned about to create my journey and make it possible for me to be here. We’re doomed to repeat the mistakes of the past if we don’t learn from them. There’s incredible pride and beauty that can be sourced in history, and you can be inspired by looking to the past.

“We don’t get raised with that enough, especially as women. We’ve been written out of so much of history. I recently did <a href="https://www.nps.gov/subjects/womenshistory/and-nothing-less-podcast.htm">a podcast on the suffrage movement</a> and from whatever I was taught about it, you’d think that no Native women were part of it. Meanwhile, the <a href="https://www.pbs.org/native-america/blogs/native-voices/how-the-iroquois-great-law-of-peace-shaped-us-democracy/#:~:text=The%20di%EF%AC%80ering%20duties%20assigned%20to,and%20separate%20power%20in%20government.">Haudenosaunee tribe</a> was the reason we have our three branches of government, and those women had been voting within their tribal government for years. And all of the women of color who came together to help march and to establish that 19th Amendment were robbed of the ability of exercising their vote for decades later. I’m always excited and grateful to source that history to better inform my present and my future decisions.”

But when it comes to voting, it’s also important we are living in the moment. “With Voto Latino, which we created in 2004, we’ve really been able to meet the moment, which has been really powerful and very exciting — seeing Latinos become the largest minority population in the country and going, ‘This is going to be really, really important and will continue to be really important for a very long time.’The discrimination and the issues that we face, everything from what’s happening on our borders right now to Latinos often being the first ones to get hurt on the job and the last ones to get compensated, shows we have a long way to go to have our voices be heard and considered in policymaking.”

The first step to gaining political voice is to make yourself a participant. “A lot of people feel like they’re not even considered in the entire political process and don’t see themselves in it. That’s one of the things that really needs to be passed down: For folks to vote, you need to have it be a big part of your identity. You need to be a ‘voter.’ That’s why we talk so much about making a plan to vote — because if you don’t make a plan to do it, you’re more than likely not going to. This happens with almost anything that you put on your goal list. If you don’t actually put it in there and prioritize it and make a date with it, and be committed, then it’s easy for life to sweep you up.

“The folks who were creating our country, they were young, a lot of them. We forget that history looking at Civil Rights movements and other spaces where young people are the leaders. For some reason, the activism will be there but not necessarily the follow-up with voting. We’re trying to connect the dots better and seeing a surge of interest, because for young people in the Latin community, it’s about the issues. It’s not necessarily about the political party and it’s not necessarily about the political candidate. It’s about the economy, it’s about climate change, it’s about healthcare. Those are the kinds of people we want voting because they’re concerned with real-life, present-day issues and their life experience is what informs them.

“It doesn’t matter if you only have a high school degree, it doesn’t matter if you’d be the first person in your family voting. Because when I talk to you, I hear about what you’re going through in your day-to-day, and your concerns, and your love for your family and your community. Those values need to be injected into our political process, and we’re making sure to let people know that they’re wanted, needed, necessary and vital.”

Always recognize the humanity in people — especially when you disagree with them. “I’ve played a lot of different kinds of characters — everything from the girlfriend role to a drug addict and stripper like in <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XQfKbGBjorE">Rent.</a> What I’ve always tried to do, even when I played more stereotypical-type roles, is bring as much humanity to them as possible. With stereotypes, we create people as a monolith and that’s wrong. Even when we’re talking about how many people have passed from COVID, it just becomes this number. We forget that those are real people and families, and whole communities that are being devastated. I think the problem with stereotypes is that they dehumanize people and we always have to check in with ourselves.

“I read a really great book about this called <a href="https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/646550/the-anatomy-of-peace-by-the-arbinger-institute/">The Anatomy of Peace.</a> It asks, are we treating people as objects or are we treating them as human beings? Because we can be at war with people, we can be fighting and in complete disagreement, but are you doing it with dignity and respect? You might vehemently disagree with this person, but you’re not going to shame them. You’re not going to put them down. You’re not going to degrade them. You’re not going to be abusive towards them. Because you still see their humanity and you recognize it even if you're in conflict. I think that’s something we’ve lost. We immediately just make someone other, and other is not worthy of respect or kindness or care or love. And that is just wrong.”

Change begins when you engage on a local — and personal — level. “You can laugh through your tears and be engaged in the voting process and know that if you figure it out locally, then you’re doing your part. Just as doing your self-care helps you to better show up in your family and your friendships and at your work, it’s the same thing if you engage in your community. What’s going on at the local library? What’s happening with the school mentorship program? There are so many issues going around with food scarcity because people are choosing right now between paying their rent or having some food on the table. With all these kids learning online, do they have the resources that they need and the proper WiFi? Do they have the computer technology?From homelessness to mental health, people are really struggling in a lot of ways. Any and every little bit of help or kindness that you can offer could be helping them."

The actress and Voto Latino co-founder joined T-Mobile for its Talking with Trailblazers guest-speaker series in honor of Hispanic Heritage Month

Rosario Dawson speaks about the importance of both being informed of the past and engaged in the future, as well as her own journey being of Latinx mixed-race heritage.

Trailblazer Takeaways: Rosario Dawson on the Importance of “Making a Plan to Vote” | T-Mobile Newsroom

Trailblazer Takeaways: Rosario Dawson on the Importance of “Making a Plan to Vote”

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https://www.t-mobile.com/news/community/trailblazer-takeaways-rosario-dawson-on-the-importance-of-making-a-plan-to-vote

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Throughout the year, communities across the country may face a number of natural disasters — hurricanes, tornados, wildfires and earthquakes — all of which can bring life-threatening conditions and cause devastation. In the face of any one of these natural events, major concerns center around the safety and well-being of people in impacted communities, from residents to first responders helping the community in the aftermath.

<a href="https://www.t-mobile.com/">T-Mobile</a> knows how important maintaining connectivity is for evacuation coordination, rescue efforts, calling a loved one to check in and more. We are committed to doing as much as we can for our customers by ensuring our network is ready and our emergency teams are prepared with the tools, equipment and gear they need to keep our customers connected.

Preparing for a Natural Disaster T-Mobile works hard to prepare for emergencies and natural disasters that may impact our network, however in the lead up to North America’s 'disaster season,’ marked by the start of hurricane season around June 1, we make a number of <a href="https://www.t-mobile.com/news/community/preparing-for-the-2020-hurricane-season">preparations</a> to ready our network and emergency response. This includes moving our extensive fleet of equipment from warehouse locations and strategically placing them in U.S. regions that are traditionally most vulnerable to severe storm conditions.

Once in the thick of disaster season, the T-Mobile Emergency Management Team (EMT) partners closely with the <a href="https://www.weather.gov/">National Weather Service</a> and other partners, like <a href="https://www.stormgeo.com/">StormGeo</a>, to track storms’ paths and projected areas of impact. We use this information to inform preparations and decide if and where our equipment and teams are needed, and we proceed to proactively send people, supplies and equipment to locations close to the projected areas of impact so that we can quickly and conveniently deploy in the aftermath of a storm, as needed.

First Response After a storm passes through, our teams immediately get to work assessing the network remotely to determine any impacts to cell sites in the area. At the same time, field teams survey conditions on the ground and work with local authorities to ensure safe access into the area from their pre-event locations.

As our EMT assesses their response to best keep our customers connected, they also work very closely with local authorities to determine when it is safe to enter the impacted areas to carry out any repairs, or deploy a number of solutions that can keep cell sites operational, or provide coverage in the event sites are damaged in the storm.

Equipment The T-Mobile EMT utilizes a variety of high-end technology and devices because we know that having the right equipment is critical. To that effect, we’ve specially designed and built some of our equipment and resources to meet our unique response needs to keep our customers in the most vulnerable communities connected.

Here’s a look at the latest and greatest used by our EMT!

Generators All mobile networks rely on commercial power to operate. So, when a power grid is affected by a hurricane, storm, fire, earthquake, etc. as a result of damage caused by flooding or blown-over poles, the network will be interrupted and customers lose service.

When there is a power outage, generators are a key piece of portable equipment that our EMT utilizes to provide temporary power to cell sites connected to the affected power grid. After determining a cell site needs power, our team will set up and connect the generator to the site to restore service. Though there may be some instances, due to terrain, site access, resident restrictions or unsafe conditions that may prevent our teams from deploying generators to a site.

Our EMT utilize several of the highest-quality, best performing generator units available on the market. Plus, all new generators we have invested in meet Tier 4 emission standards, which allows our team to deploy them in every state in the country, including those with the strictest standards. Generator units are large, weighing approximately 4,000 pounds, and run on diesel fuel. So, once set up at a site, our teams will create a refueling schedule and return to the site to refuel the generator as needed until commercial power is back up in an affected area.

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Satellites In instances where there is complete lack of service in an impacted area immediately following a hurricane or other natural event, satellites are a critical device for our teams to bring service into an area that might otherwise have no service.

When safe to do so, our teams drive vehicles outfitted with satellites into areas hit hardest or set up a portable satellite kit directly on the ground in areas with no power or backhaul. Satellites have the capacity to provide basic services like texting, call and limited data to an area in order to support the community. This is especially important for first responders who rely on connectivity for their recovery and rescue efforts.

COLTs and COWs Cells on Light Trucks (COLTs) and Cells on Wheels (COWs) are regularly utilized by our EMT as part of our recovery efforts. COLTs and COWs are unique to T-Mobile and specially designed to meet our EMT’s specific needs.

Once there is safe access into an area after a natural event, our teams drive COLTs and COWs to impacted areas. Using satellite, microwave or the existing circuit, if undamaged, at a site while towers undergo necessary repairs, COLTs and COWS bring coverage to a community that would otherwise have a coverage gap.

While both COWs and COLTs contain satellites and generators and have comparable technology capabilities, there are some physical distinctions. COWs look like a trailer and must be attached to a truck’s hitch in order to be transported, while a COLT’s satellite and generator are built directly into a truck. The advantage of a COLT is that our teams are able to drive them into some areas that may be too difficult or dangerous to tow a COW due to poor road or terrain conditions.

Vehicle Fleet We’ve built out a fleet of roughly 20 different types of vehicles to support our EMT’s specific needs. We deploy our fleet when a major natural event occurs to transport our teams and equipment to areas of impact. Our fleet of vehicles consist of COLTs, COWs, RVs, Jeeps and more. Plus, since our merger with Sprint, we have doubled the number of satellite capable vehicles.

Our RV serves as the Emergency Operation Center, outfitted with monitors, self-contained WIFI access, small kitchen, bed, restrooms and workspaces where our teams can monitor network recovery, check emails and conduct meetings while deployed to communities hit by a storm. Our teams also open the RV up to first responders to utilize the WIFI or take a break.

Our fleet also contains several Jeeps, one of which can provide WIFI and cell coverage, plus has a charging station mounted to the front of the vehicle. We utilize this Jeep when we make visits to evacuation shelters, allowing evacuees to use its services.

Community Support Vehicles It’s important to us that impacted communities have the support and connectivity they need during and immediately following a natural event. When communities are in need, we deploy our Community Support Vehicles to evacuation shelters to provide a range of supplies and services, including water bottles, pre-lit devices, charging stations, WIFI and more. Our team also utilizes Retail Support Trucks that are deployed to assist customers in areas where our local stores may be closed due to damage after a storm.

Click <a href="https://www.t-mobile.com/news/community/dealing-with-disaster-season-2020">here</a> to meet our community response team and learn more about how T-Mobile helps customers and communities in the aftermath of natural disasters.

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