[Skip to content](https://www.t-mobile.com/news/network/t-mobile-expands-network-recovery-and-customer-support-across-hawaii-following-hurricane-lala#maincontent) [Newsroom](https://www.t-mobile.com/news)Toggle secondary navigation - [Network](https://www.t-mobile.com/news/category/network) - [Devices](https://www.t-mobile.com/news/category/devices) - [Un-carrier](https://www.t-mobile.com/news/category/un-carrier) - [Community](https://www.t-mobile.com/news/category/community) - [Offers](https://www.t-mobile.com/news/category/offers) - [Business](https://www.t-mobile.com/news/category/business) English [NetworkCategory](https://www.t-mobile.com/news/category/network)[Press Release](https://www.t-mobile.com/news/press) # T‑Mobile Supports Hawaiʻi Through Hurricane Lala with Network Recovery, Satellite Connectivity and Community Support (Updated 8/22/26) August 16, 2026 *After preparing ahead of Lala, teams restored connectivity across impacted areas and continue supporting* *communities through recovery and through Tropical Storm Moke* [Arrow Right Icon](https://www.t-mobile.com/news/_admin/uploads/2026/08/T-Mobile-Generator-deployment-for-Storm-Lala-in-Hawaii-8-16-26.jpg) T‑Mobile Generator deployment for Storm Lala in Hawaii, 8/16/26 9 min readListen IconListen Listen to this article 0:00 - Facebook IconShare on Facebook - Share on Twitter - LinkedIn IconShare on LinkedIn * * * #### __If you are a customer who has been impacted by Hurricane Lala or Tropical Storm Moke, we are thinking of you and are here to help you stay connected.__ __We are offering:__ - Unlimited talk, text and data to T‑Mobile Postpaid and Prepaid, Metro by T‑Mobile, UScellular, Assurance Wireless, Mint and Ultra customers in impacted areas who don’t already have it, from __Friday, August 21 through Tuesday, September 15__. - Store hours may be impacted, so please visit our [store locator](https://www.t-mobile.com/stores) for the latest information. We will continue to update our newsroom post with the latest information — see below — and we encourage those who are able to [donate](https://www.redcross.org/donate/cm/tmobile-pub.html/) to our partner, the American Red Cross, which provides comfort, support and relief. [Donate to the Red Cross Now](https://www.redcross.org/donate/cm/tmobile-pub.html/) * * * ## __LATEST NEWS__ # __Update: August 20, 2026__ As communities across Hawaiʻi continue recovering from Lala, T‑Mobile has restored connectivity across impacted areas. Teams continue working through a small number of remaining restoration needs, many dependent on commercial power returning, while overlapping coverage from nearby sites is helping keep customers connected. Throughout the storm and recovery, [T-Satellite](https://www.t-mobile.com/coverage/satellite-phone-service) has given our customers another way to reach family and loved ones when terrestrial connectivity wasn’t available. And its reach extended beyond T‑Mobile customers: hurricane and flash-flood Wireless Emergency Alerts were delivered via satellite to compatible devices in affected areas, regardless of wireless provider — helping more people get important information when they needed it. With additional tropical weather developing in the Pacific, T‑Mobile is keeping expanded T-Satellite access available across Hawaiʻi as teams continue monitoring conditions. As conditions changed, our network adapted with them. [Our Self-Optimizing Network](https://tmobile-newsroom.wistia.com/medias/mo96mmphvr) (SON) automatically adjusted coverage throughout Lala and the recovery —including changing antenna angles to help neighboring sites extend coverage when other sites were impacted — helping reduce connectivity issues where possible. And staying connected after a storm can be as simple as having a charged phone. In Hilo and Kona, our Community Support teams provided hundreds of portable power packs and connected devices to help people reach loved ones and access the resources they need during recovery. Teams will continue supporting connectivity needs, while monitoring developing tropical weather in the Pacific and keeping resources positioned across Hawaiʻi should they be needed. For eligible first responders and public safety agencies that need help staying connected during recovery, T‑Mobile is continuing to make [T-Priority](https://www.t-mobile.com/t-priority) with T-Satellite available for 30 days at no charge via eSIM on compatible, unlocked devices, with loaner devices also available for agencies that need them. For the latest preparedness and response information, visit our [Emergency Response hub](https://www.t-mobile.com/news/emergency-response). \### # __Update: August 18, 2026__ ## T‑Mobile Expands Network Recovery and Customer and Community Support Across Hawaiʻi Following Hurricane Lala T‑Mobile teams continue making strong progress restoring connectivity across Hawaiʻi following Lala, with network impacts down significantly from their peak as crews work through remaining power, backhaul and access challenges. T-Satellite usage has continued to grow throughout the response and recovery. Through Monday evening, more than 96,000 text messages had been exchanged via satellite since we extended access ahead of Lala. Crews continue working site by site, deploying portable generators and satellite connectivity solutions where needed and repositioning resources to areas where restoration work remains. Behind the scenes, our [Self-Optimizing Network (SON)](https://tmobile-newsroom.wistia.com/medias/mo96mmphvr) has automatically made approximately 1,000 adjustments throughout Lala and the recovery, helping optimize coverage and reduce connectivity impacts as conditions change. ### __Community Support in Hilo Today__ T‑Mobile Community Support is on the ground in Hilo today with connectivity support, charging supplies and devices available from 9 a.m.–2 p.m. HST, or until supplies last.  - __T‑Mobile Waiakea Center:__ 315 E. Makaala St., Suite 108, Hilo, HI 96720. Our teams will continue working to restore and support connectivity as Hawaiʻi recovers. For the latest preparedness and response updates, visit our [Emergency Response hub](https://www.t-mobile.com/news/emergency-response) and follow the T‑Mobile Newsroom on [X](https://x.com/tmobilenews) and [Instagram](https://www.instagram.com/tmobilenews/).  \### # __Update: August 17, 2026__ ## Community Support Available in Hilo Tuesday 8/18 T‑Mobile Community Support is on the ground in Hilo and will begin providing support Tuesday morning as communities continue recovering from Lala. Stop by for connectivity support, charging supplies and devices to help you stay connected during recovery. Tuesday, Aug. 18 from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. HST, or until supplies last: - __T‑Mobile Waiakea Center__: 315 E. Makaala St., Suite 108, Hilo, HI 96720. Our teams have been working through Lala alongside the communities they call home, and we’ll continue working to restore and support connectivity as Hawaiʻi recovers. \### ### KEY TAKEAWAYS - __T‑Mobile teams are actively restoring the network__, with crews deploying portable generators to sites affected primarily by widespread commercial power outages with additional generators on the way. - __T-Satellite is helping customers stay connected__, with nearly 29,000 text messages exchanged via satellite since T‑Mobile extended access ahead of Lala. On Sunday alone, 6,200 customers exchanged more than 17,000 messages. Wireless Emergency Alerts have also been delivered via satellite to compatible devices. - __Support has expanded for customers and communities across Hawaiʻi__, including unlimited talk, text and data through Aug. 22, while Community Support team members deploy to Hilo to help with connectivity and charging. - __Support is available for first responders and public safety agencies,__ with 30 days of T-Priority and T-Satellite access at no charge for eligible agencies using unlocked, compatible devices, plus loaner devices for agencies that need them __BELLEVUE, Wash. — August 16, 2026 —__ As Lala moves west across Hawaiʻi, T‑Mobile (NASDAQ: TMUS) teams are expanding response and recovery efforts across the islands, restoring connectivity, supporting customers and working alongside emergency officials as communities begin to recover. ### Restoring Connectivity Across Hawaiʻi Network impacts have shifted as Lala has continued west, driven overwhelmingly by widespread commercial power outages. Crews are in the field across multiple islands restoring affected sites and deploying [portable generators](https://www.t-mobile.com/news/disaster-definitions), with additional generators on the way. Fixed and portable backup generators are supporting sites through commercial power loss, while overlapping coverage is helping reduce impacts in some areas. Behind the scenes, T‑Mobile’s [Self-Optimizing Network (SON)](https://tmobile-newsroom.wistia.com/medias/mo96mmphvr) has automatically made more than 160 network adjustments since Lala began impacting Hawaiʻi, helping optimize coverage as conditions and site availability change and reduce connectivity impacts for customers. ### T-Satellite Helps Customers Stay Connected [T-Satellite](https://www.t-mobile.com/coverage/satellite-phone-service) has helped people stay connected throughout the storm, with nearly 29,000 text messages exchanged via satellite since T‑Mobile extended access ahead of Lala. As of noon Sunday, 6,200 customers had already exchanged more than 17,000 messages that day alone — demonstrating increased use as the storm moved across the islands. The service gives T‑Mobile customers with compatible devices another way to reach loved ones and access Text-to-911 when terrestrial connectivity isn’t available. Wireless Emergency Alerts have also been delivered via T-Satellite to compatible devices in affected areas. ### Community Support Deploys on Big Island T‑Mobile Community Support team members are deploying to Hilo on the Big Island to provide support as recovery gets underway. Connectivity and charging solutions will be available to help people stay connected as needs emerge. More details will be shared upon arrival. Community Support resources remain positioned throughout Hawaiʻi, with teams continuing to monitor needs. ### Supporting First Responders and Critical Infrastructure T‑Mobile teams continue coordinating with Hawaiʻi emergency management officials, FEMA, CISA and local Civil Defense agencies as needs and restoration priorities evolve, including working with local officials to address site-access challenges and generator needs. Maui emergency management officials have identified West Maui as a priority restoration area, taking into account the area’s geography, connectivity needs and key transportation routes. For eligible first responders and public safety agencies that need help staying connected during recovery, T‑Mobile is making [T-Priority](https://www.t-mobile.com/t-priority) and T-Satellite access available for 30 days at no charge on unlocked, compatible devices. Loaner devices are also available for agencies that need them. ### Supporting Customers To help customers across Hawaiʻi focus on what matters most, T‑Mobile has activated unlimited talk, text and data and waived overages through August 22 for T‑Mobile Postpaid and Prepaid, Metro, Assurance Wireless, USCellular, Mint and Ultra customers across the state. Some T‑Mobile stores are temporarily closed or operating on adjusted hours due to local conditions and power impacts. Customers should check the [T‑Mobile Store Locator](https://www.t-mobile.com/stores) for the latest information before heading out. ### T‑Mobile’s Response to Lala T‑Mobile began preparing for Lala [before the storm arrived](https://www.t-mobile.com/news/network/t-mobile-activates-t-satellite-and-mobilizes-network-teams-tropical-storm-lala-hawaii), positioning crews and equipment, preparing backup power, extending T-Satellite access and coordinating with Hawaiʻi emergency management officials. All T‑Mobile employees across Hawaiʻi have been accounted for, and teams remain ready to support employees who may need assistance. Our local teams have been preparing for and working through Lala alongside the communities they call home. As the storm moves away and recovery continues, T‑Mobile teams will remain in place — restoring connectivity as quickly and safely as possible and helping people stay connected to loved ones and the resources they rely on. __For more on T‑Mobile’s response and preparedness efforts:__ - Aug. 14: [T‑Mobile Activates T-Satellite and Mobilizes Network Teams as Tropical Storm Lala Approaches Hawaiʻi (Updated 8/16/26)](https://www.t-mobile.com/news/network/t-mobile-activates-t-satellite-and-mobilizes-network-teams-tropical-storm-lala-hawaii) - Aug. 12: [T‑Mobile Prepares Network and Positions Crews Across Hawaiʻi Ahead of Tropical Weather](https://www.t-mobile.com/news/network/t-mobile-prepares-hawaii-ahead-of-tropical-weather) - Visit the [T‑Mobile Emergency hub](https://www.t-mobile.com/news/emergency-response) for ongoing updates - [Arrow Right Icon](https://www.t-mobile.com/news/_admin/uploads/2026/08/Lala-Forecast-8-16.jpg) Storm Lala Forecast 8/16/26 courtesy of AccuWeather, Hawaii - [Arrow Right Icon](https://www.t-mobile.com/news/_admin/uploads/2026/08/image-8.jpg) T‑Mobile Teams Addressing Storm Lala impacts in Hawaii, 8/16/26 - [Arrow Right Icon](https://www.t-mobile.com/news/_admin/uploads/2026/08/Media-7.jpg) T‑Mobile teams deploying portable generators in Hawaii for Storm Lala, 8/16/26 \### __About T Mobile__ As the supercharged Un-carrier, T Mobile US, Inc. (NASDAQ: TMUS) is powered by an award-winning 5G network that connects more people, in more places, than ever before. With T Mobile’s unique value proposition of best network, best value and best experiences, the Un-carrier is redefining connectivity and fueling competition while continuing to drive the next wave of innovation in wireless and beyond. Headquartered in Bellevue, Wash., T Mobile provides services through its subsidiaries and operates its flagship brands, T Mobile, Metro by T Mobile and Mint Mobile. For more information, visit [https://www.t mobile.com](https://www.t%20mobile.com/). __Media Contact__ T Mobile US, Inc. Media Relations MediaRelations@t mobile.com __Investor Relations Contact__ T Mobile US, Inc. Investor.Relations@t mobile.com [https://investor.t mobile.com](https://investor.t%20mobile.com/) Tags[Community](https://www.t-mobile.com/news/archive/community)[Emergency Response](https://www.t-mobile.com/news/archive/emergency-response)[Employees](https://www.t-mobile.com/news/archive/employees)[T-Mobile for Business](https://www.t-mobile.com/news/archive/t-mobile-for-business)[T-Satellite](https://www.t-mobile.com/news/archive/t-satellite) ## Related Stories [More Stories](https://www.t-mobile.com/news/category/network) [ \ NetworkPress Release \ __T‑Mobile Prepares for and Responds to Hurricane Lowell in Hawaiʻi (Updated 9/10/26)__  \ September 05, 2026|5 min read](https://www.t-mobile.com/news/network/t-mobile-positions-crews-and-resources-across-hawaii-ahead-of-hurricane-lowell) [ \ NetworkPress Release \ __T‑Mobile Monitoring and Ready to Respond to Tropical Storm Edouard (Updated 9/2/26)__  \ September 01, 2026|3 min read](https://www.t-mobile.com/news/network/t-mobile-monitoring-and-ready-to-respond-to-tropical-storm-edouard) [ \ CommunityPress Release \ __T‑Mobile Supporting Customers During Severe Flooding on the Nepal-Tibet Border (Updated 9/8/26)__ \ August 26, 2026|2 min read](https://www.t-mobile.com/news/community/t-mobile-supporting-customers-during-severe-flooding-on-the-nepal-tibet-border) [ \ CommunityPress Release \ __T‑Mobile Supporting Community and Connectivity During Hawk Fire Response in Nevada__ \ August 24, 2026|1 min read](https://www.t-mobile.com/news/community/t-mobile-supporting-community-and-connectivity-during-hawk-fire-response-in-nevada)