A group of people at the Changemaker Challenge Lab

The Changemaker Challenge grand prize winners and T-Mobile executives.

Changemaker Challenge 2022_Group Photo 2 - T-Mobile Newsroom

https://www.t-mobile.com/news/_admin/uploads/2021/05/nr-hero-Full-Tmobile-Logo-New-2021.png

T-Mobile Newsroom

News

Gen Z Innovators Shine at T-Mobile’s Changemaker Challenge Lab

Changemaker Challenge 2022_Group Photo 2

nr-article-Disability-IN-7-25-22 - T-Mobile Newsroom

Community

Inclusion Powers Our Culture

nr-article-Disability-IN-7-25-22

nr-hero-Deeanne-king-blog-7-25-22 - T-Mobile Newsroom

nr-hero-Deeanne-king-blog-7-25-22

Calls to the Lifeline have been on the rise due to the pandemic and as people navigate tough topics like global unrest and economic uncertainty.

nr-hero-Sievert-988-blog-7-28-22 - T-Mobile Newsroom

Network

Connectivity Offers Help – and Hope – as Need for Mental Health Support Rises

nr-hero-Sievert-988-blog-7-28-22

As synonymous as 911 is today as an emergency hotline, 988 will soon become synonymous for mental health support.

nr-article-Sievert-988-blog-7-28-22 - T-Mobile Newsroom

nr-article-Sievert-988-blog-7-28-22

Staying connected while on vacation doesn't have to come at a cost.

nr-article-Katz-travel-tips-6-28-22 - T-Mobile Newsroom

Un-carrier

5 Tech Tips for Navigating Modern Travel

nr-article-Katz-travel-tips-6-28-22

Stay connected, safe and on budget during this busy summer travel season.

nr-hero-Katz-travel-tips-6-28-22 - T-Mobile Newsroom

nr-hero-Katz-travel-tips-6-28-22

nr-hero-TFB-SMB-6-16-22 - T-Mobile Newsroom

Business

Inflation is Hurting Small Businesses: T-Mobile Won’t Be Part of the Problem

nr-hero-TFB-SMB-6-16-22

2539182_Pride_nr-article-6-1-22 - T-Mobile Newsroom

Employee Spotlight: Pride is Power

2539182_Pride_nr-article-6-1-22

2517220_Disaster-Response_nr-article-5-23-22 - T-Mobile Newsroom

One Team Together: A Unified Front to Help Those Impacted by Emergency Events

2517220_Disaster-Response_nr-article-5-23-22

nr-hero-AAPI-5-23-22 - T-Mobile Newsroom

Employee Spotlight: An Intersectional Experience of May

nr-hero-AAPI-5-23-22

nr-article-AAPI-5-23-22 - T-Mobile Newsroom

nr-article-AAPI-5-23-22

T-Mobile-AAPI Logo - T-Mobile Newsroom

Asian American and Pacific Islander Month: The many pieces of a beautifully complex puzzle

T-Mobile-AAPI Logo

nr-article-GAAD-5-19-22 (1) - T-Mobile Newsroom

Accessibility and Inclusion for Future Talent 

nr-article-GAAD-5-19-22 (1)

nr-hero-BW-FreierBlog-5-4-22 - T-Mobile Newsroom

Shaking Up a Broken Broadband Industry   

nr-hero-BW-FreierBlog-5-4-22

nr-article-Warriors-and-Quiet-Waters-5-11-22 - T-Mobile Newsroom

An Ally. A Military Spouse. A Soldier.

nr-article-Warriors-and-Quiet-Waters-5-11-22

This week, the top 15 Changemaker Challenge teams gathered at T-Mobile’s Bellevue HQ for a three-day lab where Safe Teens Online, MiSendero and Tobelli received the grand prize: $5,000 each in additional seed funding for a total of $15,000

tmobile-blocks/subhead

While spending her childhood summers visiting her grandmother in India, Rashmi Alawani, was captivated by how her grandmother used aromatic spices and herbs, like turmeric and rosemary, to help keep food fresh.

core/paragraph

Now a high school student in Aurora, Ill. and an aspiring scientist, Alawani wondered if this ayurvedic practice that is steeped in the Hindu tradition could, on a greater scale, keep meat, produce and bread fresh longer and prevent spoilage. Earlier this year, she and her friend, Shria Halkoda, founded <a href="https://challenges.changemakers.com/challenge/tmochangemaker2022/applications?application=26251316" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Tobelli</a>, a startup that combines biodegradable food packaging and repurposed cellulose found in tobacco, to create a thin, safe material that helps reduce food waste.

Reducing food waste, which the <a href="https://www.usda.gov/foodwaste/faqs" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">United States Agriculture Department</a> estimates between 30 to 40 percent of the food supply, is just one of the big ideas from youth teams attending the Changemaker Challenge Lab held this week at T-Mobile's headquarters in Bellevue, Washington.

The young women are one of 15 teams of youth entrepreneurs whose projects made it into the final round of the Changemaker Challenge, the culmination of T-Mobile’s nationwide contest focused on mobilizing youth between the ages of 13 and 18 who have developed bold ideas to create positive change in their communities. The Changemaker Challenge sponsored by T-Mobile, the T-Mobile Foundation and <a href="https://www.ashoka.org/en-us" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Ashoka</a>, empowered the teams to develop projects focused on three categories: Digital Empowerment, Equity in Action and Thriving Planet.

“The Changemaker Challenge Lab is always one of the most fun T-Mobile events of the year and the energy and passion behind these BIG ideas is incredibly inspiring," said Janice V. Kapner, chief communications officer for T-Mobile. “These bright young entrepreneurs will make the world more sustainable, equitable and connected for us all and it's why T-Mobile invests in youth - they are our future and are confidently tackling some of the most pressing issues we are facing in the world today.”

The three-day immersive experience featured the top 15 teams selected from 203 submissions across three categories – Digital Empowerment, Thriving Planet, and Equity In Action. The top three category teams pitched their idea to T-Mobile executives for the chance to win the grand prize: $5,000 in seed funding, bringing the total amount to $15,000. These impressive ideas left T-Mobile executives no choice but to award a grand prize to <a href="https://challenges.changemakers.com/challenge/tmochangemaker2022/applications?application=26323171" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Safe Teens Online (Digital Empowerment)</a>, <a href="https://challenges.changemakers.com/challenge/tmochangemaker2022?application=26153698" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">MiSendero (Equity in Action)</a> and <a href="https://challenges.changemakers.com/challenge/tmochangemaker2022/applications?application=26251316" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Tobelli (Thriving Planet)</a>, with all three teams receiving an additional $5,000 each in seed funding for their projects to help turn their ideas into reality.

These Generation Z leaders are advocating for online privacy and safety education for teens, integrating Latin American English learners into school communities in more meaningful ways, and amplifying African American literacy and diversity in books featuring Black and Brown characters through a virtual, and in-person, book club.

Equity In Action category winner Romy Greenwald’s grandparents immigrated from Mexico and Cuba and she remembers her mom sharing stories about having challenges learning English. Motivated by her family experiences and hearing from immigrant Latino English students that they felt isolated, sparked the idea for MiSendero, a student-led program to help immigrant Latino students integrate fully into their school community.

“We help integrate Latin American English learning students by creating mutual educational experiences with our members tutoring students learning to speak Spanish,” said Romy Greenwald founder, and president of MiSendero. “It’s a win-win giving Spanish students extra language practice and a chance to get to know native speakers. The support from T-Mobile and Ashoka through the Changemaker Challenge has empowered us to make our dreams come true. We’re already bringing our program into school districts across the country and as a result, we’re helping change how Latin American immigrant students are succeeding academically and socially at school.”

Since the launch of the Changemaker Challenge four years ago in 2018, T- Mobile and the T-Mobile Foundation have invested over $2.5 million to support these bright young leaders. To date, about $414,000 in prize seed funding has gone directly to winning teams for their projects. Former Changemaker Challenge winners have made notable impacts on society, including 2020 winner Ian McKenna, who was recognized as a finalist for the <a href="https://www.timeforkids.com/g56/authors/tfk-kid-reporter-ian-mckenna/#:~:text=Ian%20McKenna%20is%20a%202021,food%20pantries%20in%20Austin%2C%20Texas." target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">TIME Kid of the Year</a> for helping to reduce hunger through edible gardening and <a href="https://iansgivinggarden.weebly.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Ian’s Giving Garden</a>. In the past two years, his project has provided more than 20,000 pounds of organic produce to families in need and food pantries in Austin, Texas.

The Changemaker Challenge is part of T-Mobile’s commitment to being a force for good. To learn more about this year’s Changemaker Challenge Grand Prize winners, see below:

Digital Empowerment <a href="https://challenges.changemakers.com/challenge/tmochangemaker2022/applications?application=26323171" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Safe Teens Online</a> A global, youth-led peer-to-peer initiative that educates teenagers on online privacy and safety, encouraging inclusivity, safe habits, and emotional well-being.

Equity In Action  <a href="https://challenges.changemakers.com/challenge/tmochangemaker2022?application=26153698" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">MiSendero</a> MiSendero works to meaningfully integrate Latin American English learners into their school communities by facilitating mutual learning experiences for all students.

Thriving Planet <a href="https://challenges.changemakers.com/challenge/tmochangemaker2022/applications?application=26251316" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Tobelli</a> Biodegradable food packaging that repurposes the cellulose found in tobacco to create a thin, safe material to help reduce waste.

For more information about the Changemaker Challenge and to check out the <a href="https://www.t-mobile.com/news/_admin/uploads/2022/05/Changemaker-Challenge-2022-Winner-Lookbook.pdf" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">full list of winners</a>, visit <a href="https://www.t-mobile.com/responsibility/community/education/changemaker-challenge" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">t-mobile.com/changemaker</a>.

core/image

Gen Z Innovators Shine at T-Mobile’s Changemaker Challenge Lab - T-Mobile Newsroom

https://www.t-mobile.com/news/_admin/uploads/2022/07/Changemaker-Challenge-2022_Group-Photo-2.png

There’s a lot to gain from creating a diverse and inclusive workplace. At T-Mobile, our employees live our values and break down barriers — for each other and our customers. I’m immensely proud of the company we’ve become thanks to them. It’s simple: We are stronger when we represent those we serve. And placing DE&I at the center of our Un-carrier culture inspires the kind of diversity of perspective, talent and innovation that enables us to be the best workforce this industry has ever seen. As we celebrate the 32nd anniversary of the <a href="https://www.ada.gov/2010_regs.htm" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Americans with Disabilities Act</a>, I’m deeply honored that <a href="https://disabilityin.org/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Disability:IN</a>, a nonprofit focused on disability inclusion in the workplace, named T-Mobile <a href="https://disabilityin.org/releases/disabilityin-announces-the-2022-inclusion-awards-winners/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Employer of the Year</a>. This award recognizes a company for exemplary policies, strategies and initiatives that have improved disability inclusiveness in the workplace, marketplace, accessibility and supply chain.

Our CEO, Mike Sievert, recognizes the challenges that exist for individuals with disabilities, along with the <a href="https://www.t-mobile.com/news/community/diversity-equals-innovation" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">incredible value</a> they add to any company’s team. That’s why he <a href="https://disabilityin.org/ceos-are-in/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">signed a commitment</a> to help build inclusive, accessible and equitable workplaces by participating in the Disability Equality Index. Since T-Mobile first appeared on the index, more than 100 other companies have committed their support. The recognition from Disability:IN reminds me that we’re doing many things right, but that we always have more work to do. Our <a href="https://www.t-mobile.com/news/community/equity-in-action" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Equity In Action</a> roadmap inspires us to embed diversity, equity and inclusion into every corner of our business. There is no completion date. We must constantly examine our progress on the promises we made so that every single T-Mobile employee has an inclusive space for career and personal development. Working with organizations like the <a href="https://www.aapd.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">American Association of People with Disabilities</a> to create inclusive hiring opportunities through our internship program is one way we’re making a difference. I am so inspired by T-Mobile employees like <a href="https://www.t-mobile.com/news/community/disability-awareness-claudia-gordon" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Claudia Gordon</a>, our senior accessibility partner who’s made it her mission at T-Mobile to drive enterprise-wide strategies for a disability-inclusive culture and an accessible and equitable work environment. And one of this year’s summer interns, <a href="https://www.t-mobile.com/news/community/gaad2022" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Danny Charney</a>, shared his disability journey and the mentors he found along the way. T-Mobile is lucky to have Claudia and Danny, plus many more trailblazers. So today, while we reflect on the significance of the ADA, let’s recommit ourselves to collaborating with purpose and fostering cultures of inclusion.

core/separator

T-Mobile is honored to receive the Employer of the Year award from Disability:IN.

Inclusion Powers Our Culture - T-Mobile Newsroom

https://www.t-mobile.com/news/_admin/uploads/2022/07/nr-article-Disability-IN-7-25-22.png

Today the wireless devices we hold in the palm of our hands are so much more than a way to check our social media or send a work email. They serve as a real-time conduit to our family, friends and support systems in times of joy and when we need to ask for help in times of distress.

Lately those moments have become more commonplace. Rates of anxiety and depression <a href="https://www.who.int/news/item/02-03-2022-covid-19-pandemic-triggers-25-increase-in-prevalence-of-anxiety-and-depression-worldwide">climbed by a massive 25%</a> during the COVID-19 pandemic, and tough topics like global unrest and economic uncertainty are leading to <a href="https://www.apa.org/news/press/releases/2022/03/inflation-war-stress">unprecedented levels of stress</a>. No surprise that calls to the <a href="https://988lifeline.org/">988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline</a> (formerly known as the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline) have been on the rise: In 2020, when numbers were last reported, counselors received more than 2.3 million phone calls — the most in its history.

In those moments, every minute — every second — matters. That’s why last week’s nationwide industry <a href="https://www.t-mobile.com/news/network/988-free-mental-health-services">launch of 988 dialing and texting</a> as an option for free mental health support is monumental, and I’m so proud T-Mobile is a part of it. Connections truly matter, and now a fast connection to mental health help is more available than ever. Wireless connectivity has literally become a lifeline in itself.

As synonymous as 911 is today as an emergency hotline, 988 will soon become synonymous for mental health support. Dialed or texted, 988 connects those in need to one of 200 nationwide centers where crisis and mental health counselors are available 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Trimming the 10-digit phone number (800-273-8255) to three digits and enabling text messaging ensures even faster and less-intimidating access. Access that matters: Lifeline reports that those who sought support were significantly more likely to feel less depressed, less suicidal, less overwhelmed and more hopeful after speaking with a counselor.

The nationwide effort to launch this service began in 2020 when the Federal Communications Commission set a July 16, 2022, deadline for wireless providers to implement 988 calling. The FCC later added a requirement for providers to enable texting to 988. T-Mobile stepped up early to be a leader in enabling these services, not content to wait for the FCC-mandated operational date to get started. With mental health resources already stretched to their limits amid the chaos of the world around us, we knew we had to move much more quickly.

I’m pleased that T-Mobile was the first to offer 988 calling in November 2020 — nearly 20 months ahead of the FCC deadline. Our amazing network teams took our responsibility to customers seriously. They worked to ensure our nationwide network was ready to route calls to the existing Lifeline number. They also partnered across our business to take steps like updating our billing system to prevent charges for calling the new dialing code, and initially created a bounce-back message for anyone attempting to text 988 to instead call 988 for support prior to the texting launch. Then, in preparation for the industry launch of texting, they worked to be ready to activate, and now we’re excited to bring that to reality alongside our peers.

As the CEO of a wireless company, I see it as our responsibility to use our services, technology and infrastructure to connect our customers when they need it most. For those experiencing mental health conditions — and their families who strive to support them — we hope the numeric simplicity and ease of accessibility of 988 will bring some reassurance that connection to help is here when you need it most.

Trimming the 10-digit phone number to 988's three digits and enabling text messaging ensures faster and less-intimidating access to emotional support.

Connectivity Offers Help – and Hope – as Need for Mental Health Support Rises - T-Mobile Newsroom

https://www.t-mobile.com/news/_admin/uploads/2022/07/nr-article-Sievert-988-blog-7-28-22.png

For those experiencing a mental health crisis, 988 offers a simple and more accessible way to get help.

988 brings reassurance that connection to help is here when you need it most.

After more than two years of being cooped up, most of us are overdue for some fun and relaxation. The beach is beckoning my family this summer, and we’re not alone: <a href="https://wttc.org/LinkClick.aspx?fileticket=nv1cvhnBBo4%3d&portalid=0">U.S. travel and tourism spending</a> is expected to exceed pre-pandemic levels by 6.2%, contributing about $2 trillion to the U.S. economy. And <a href="https://www.ustravel.org/research/monthly-travel-data-report">28% of travelers plan to spend significantly more</a> than their 2019 travel budgets for marquee trips this summer.

If you’re looking forward to travel adventures of your own, I can’t help you escape long lines and unpredictable weather. But I do have a handful of tech tips to get you up to speed on modern traveling. Because as much as we long to get away from it all, staying connected and saving money is more crucial than ever.

core/heading

Remember sweating the extra charges you’d face on your cellphone bill after an international trip? Good riddance to the days of paying extra abroad just to stay connected with family, friends and co-workers. With T-Mobile’s latest Un-carrier move, <a href="https://www.t-mobile.com/news/un-carrier/coveragebeyond">Coverage Beyond</a>, customers on qualifying plans get 5 gigs of free high-speed data at up to 5G speeds, where available, in more than 210 countries and destinations. That’s on top of free connectivity and streaming all flight long on the biggest U.S. airlines.

As CMO of a tech company, digital and data dependence is constantly on my mind. And as a dad of four, including teens and a tween, so is keeping the family peace. No one should have to fear hidden fees or jump through hoops just to use their device.

For starters, try these cost-saving moves: • T-Mobile customers can save up to 40% on hotels and select rental cars by using <a href="https://hotels.tmobiletravel.com/">T-MobileTRAVEL.com</a> with Priceline. Some deals on this site can’t be found anywhere else. • Consider a new credit card with a signup bonus, airline miles or cash back (just be cautious about taking on high interest credit-card balances).

Inflation may be threatening your summer vacation plans, but don’t give up. Instead, take advantage of travel rewards and perks from companies you already do business with, and consider new offers from businesses whose rewards align with your spending habits.

Speaking of credit cards, investigate the security features built into your card before going abroad since they may vary by country. Technology called 3D Secure (3DS) helps verify whether online transactions are authentic. To avoid issues, update your contact information with your bank and credit card company in case they need to contact you for authentication purposes.

Among a sea of <a href="https://www.travelpulse.com/gallery/features/18-travel-scams-to-watch-out-for.html?image=1">travel scams</a> to safeguard against are fake rental homes and booking platforms, as well as vacation “deal” robocalls. T-Mobile customers can take control by using the free <a href="https://www.t-mobile.com/customers/scam-shield">Scam Shield app</a>, which includes tools that deliver scam call warnings, the ability to block scam calls with Scam Block, and Caller ID.

And T-Mobile business customers who travel for work will soon be able to use the Secure Wi-Fi mobile app — at no extra cost — to help protect their data when connected to public Wi-Fi, such as on an airplane or when traveling internationally.

COVID-19 didn’t do us many favors, but at least we’re benefitting from an automation trend in hotels, airports and restaurants. Spare yourself time and germs with keyless check-in, digital communication with staff and room delivery via robots. You might even find <a href="https://www.washingtonpost.com/travel/2021/01/27/hotels-robots-cleaning-hospitality-covid/">robots disinfecting the air and surfaces in hotels and airports</a> you visit during your travels.

You can also opt for contact-free tours of museums, menu QR codes, hotel and airline check-ins, car rentals and virtual queues. All the more reason to put high-speed data from T-Mobile to great use!

With gas prices out of control these days, you might be contemplating whether to fly or drive this summer. To help crack this quandary, <a href="https://www.nerdwallet.com/article/travel/is-it-cheaper-to-fly-or-drive">NerdWallet</a> considered many factors and crunched some numbers for all of us. And while every trip is different, the cost savings of flying grow with the length of the trip.

However, there’s no denying that driving reigns as the No. 1 mode of travel. Hot tip for road trippers looking to save money at the pump: T-Mobile is teaming up with Shell and the Fuel Rewards® program to provide 25 cents off per gallon of gas through the week of Labor Day. Check it out on the <a href="https://www.t-mobile.com/offers/t-mobile-tuesdays">T-Mobile Tuesdays app</a>!

The Un-carrier also has more 5G coverage on U.S. highways than any wireless provider and is <a href="https://www.t-mobile.com/news/un-carrier/aaa-on-us">AAA’s official wireless partner</a>. This means T-Mobile customers on qualifying plans score a year of AAA on us, with 24-hour roadside assistance. So, enjoy complete peace of mind as you hit the open road and see as many cities, small towns and attractions as you and the fam can handle. In addition, AAA integrates with T-Mobile’s <a href="https://www.t-mobile.com/iot-devices/syncup-drive-connected-car">SyncUP DRIVE</a> to turn your car into a hotspot on wheels and monitor your car’s health.

Finally, my biggest tip for your summer travel is to take a little time to research. Ask yourself, "What are my passions?" Whether they include hiking, history, culinary experiences or something else, there are online resources, guides and blogs to point you in the right direction. Then rest easy knowing you can stay seamlessly connected while flying, driving and exploring.

T-Mobile CMO Mike Katz offers a handful of tech tips to get you up to speed on modern traveling. Because as much as we long to get away from it all, staying connected and saving money is more crucial than ever.

5 Tech Tips for Navigating Modern Travel - T-Mobile Newsroom

https://www.t-mobile.com/news/_admin/uploads/2022/07/nr-article-Katz-travel-tips-6-28-22.png

With 28% of travelers planning to spend significantly more than their 2019 travel budgets for marquee trips this summer, we can all use some advice on staying connected and saving money.

Travel is back

Small businesses are the economic heartbeat of our nation. Managing a small business is challenging enough – with overseeing everything from payroll to IT. When the pandemic hit, consumer behavior changed overnight. Small business owners were forced to reimagine their plans in an unpredictable environment.

I have been amazed to see the resilience and innovation among small businesses, many of which have come back stronger and with more capabilities than ever before. Many have embraced a new generation of digital tools that make it easy to build a website or POS system affordably. Fitness centers have adopted ongoing virtual classes. Boutique shops have created e-commerce tools. Restaurants have developed contact-free delivery and pickup options. It’s really inspiring to see these companies pivot to meet their customers’ needs, and to do it safely.

But just as small businesses are starting to get back into a post-pandemic groove, they have been hit with a new challenge: inflation. With expenses going up everywhere, small businesses are being forced to switch gears once again. According to a <a href="https://www.score.org/resource/megaphone-main-street-inflation-economy" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">recent survey</a> from small business advocacy organization SCORE, nearly two-thirds saw their profits decline over the last six months. And more than half are experiencing higher utility and gas costs, rendering forecasts and business plans from just a few months earlier obsolete.

And even with inflation on the rise, it wasn’t exactly surprising to see that Verizon and AT&T recently hit customers with price increases. Verizon added a new “<a href="https://www.cnet.com/tech/mobile/verizon-customers-heres-why-your-phone-bills-about-to-increase/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Economic Adjustment Charge</a>,” which could potentially cost businesses an extra $1,300 more a year if they have only 50 lines with the extra $2.20 per line. Apparently that wasn’t enough, so they topped it off with an additional price increase of $6-12 per line – meaning <a href="https://www.phonearena.com/news/verizon-another-price-increase-just-as-bad-as-att_id140710" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Verizon slapped customers with higher bills twice in one month</a>. <a href="https://www.cnet.com/tech/mobile/at-t-hikes-prices-for-older-plans-amid-rising-inflation/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">AT&T announced it was simply “hiking prices” on business plans</a>, some by as much as $12 a month. The Carriers aren’t helping – they are part of the inflation problem.

While AT&T and Verizon’s way of dealing with inflation has been to take more from customers, resulting in, according to their CEO, at least <a href="https://www.t-mobile.com/news/offers/takes-aim-at-att-and-verizon-price-hikes" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">an additional $1.2B a year in revenue for Verizon alone</a>, T-Mobile’s approach is just the opposite. We are giving our customers more without asking more from them – simply because we know it’s the right thing to do. In our most recent Un-carrier move, we gave customers a massive upgrade when they travel with <a href="https://www.t-mobile.com/news/un-carrier/coveragebeyond" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Coverage Beyond</a>, and we’re also promising that their rate plan price won’t go up with our <a href="https://www.t-mobile.com/news/un-carrier/t-mobile-helps-americans-tackle-inflation" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Price Lock</a> guarantee.

With business travel on the rebound, we know employees have places to go – but travel costs are higher than ever. That’s why we launched Coverage Beyond – to help travelers save money and stay connected in the air and overseas. In addition to free in-flight Wi-Fi all flight long on select flights across American, Delta and Alaska Airlines – with United to come soon – we will also be giving <a href="https://www.t-mobile.com/news/business/big-small-business-deals-start-today-at-t-mobile" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Business Unlimited Ultimate</a> and <a href="https://www.t-mobile.com/business/wireless-business-plans" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Business Unlimited Advanced</a> customers a free app to help protect their data when traveling. The Secure Wi-Fi mobile app (coming soon) automatically encrypts a user’s data while using public Wi-Fi on smartphones, so business customers are more protected everywhere on Wi-Fi.

I’m proud to say that Coverage Beyond is also helping small businesses save with free high-speed data worldwide. Now business customers on our Business Unlimited Ultimate plan can travel with the luxury of 5GB of high-speed data — with up to 5G speeds where available — in more than 210 countries and destinations. You read that right. Business customers can now replace hefty expense reports to reimburse in-flight connectivity and international roaming charges with massive savings. The way I see it? It’s a whole new world for business travel.

Because we recognize the threat of inflation to small businesses, we’ve been hard at work ensuring business customers know what to expect from us with our <a href="https://www.t-mobile.com/news/un-carrier/t-mobile-helps-americans-tackle-inflation" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Price Lock</a> guarantee – our promise that we won’t raise the price of our broadband or wireless rate plans.

And right now, our Business Unlimited Ultimate plan is offered at our lowest price ever for a limited time. So, if a business has three lines on our Ultimate plan, they’ll save over $1,000 a year compared to three lines on Verizon’s Business Unlimited Pro 2.0 plan. That’s a nice extra chunk to help fund new equipment, boost advertising budgets or show employee appreciation – right?

Besides helping businesses overcome inflation, we at T-Mobile are constantly investing in our 5G network to make it America’s largest, fastest and <a href="https://www.t-mobile.com/news/press/new-report-t-mobile-has-the-most-reliable-5g-network" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">most reliable</a>, and we’re continuing to put businesses first. We want them to save more and worry less. And we won’t leave customers stuck with the other guys’ termination fees; we’ve got it covered with more than $6,000 in switching costs on us when they add 10 lines. (Yes, really.)

To all small businesses out there: We see you. We get the challenges you’re facing. We know how to help tackle inflation. And most importantly, we have your back – now and always.

Inflation is hurting small businesses and T-Mobile is here to help.

Inflation is Hurting Small Businesses: T-Mobile Won’t Be Part of the Problem - T-Mobile Newsroom

https://www.t-mobile.com/news/_admin/uploads/2022/06/nr-hero-TFB-SMB-6-16-22.png

As T-Mobile celebrates Pride 2022 with the affirmation “I am an advocate for my community, making an impact,” we bring you the personal stories of several employees who share exactly how they live out that commitment at work and beyond.

While T-Mobile recognizes that support at the national level is important and continues through <a href="https://www.t-mobile.com/brand/celebrating-diversity/lgbtq-plus-pride">partnerships with GLSEN, Happy Hippies and HRC to</a> improve the quality of life of at-risk LGBTQIA+ community members, it’s vital to show that there is power in every single voice. Spotlighting how individuals can make an impact shows that Pride is Power.

The anti-transgender legislation making news of late is more than just a headline for the people interviewed in this spotlight. Everyone featured says that telling their story is an actionable item in the ways they want to celebrate Pride this year. It is how they are being advocates for their community, making an impact. From Seattle to Wichita to Memphis and Colorado Springs, their stories include gender-affirming treatments that they say T-Mobile’s health benefits made possible, or changing chosen names on work badges and pronouns with co-workers. They’re experiences that help shape T-Mobile’s own advocacy practices that now include things such as a thorough transition guide and employee handbook of policies designed to create a better experience for co-workers across the company who come out as trans at work.

“Our Pride Employee Resource Group (ERG) is a place where our employees can bring their ideas about how to make our workplace better for all,” says Jen Palmer (She/Her), senior director of T-Mobile’s Technology Project Management Office and the chair of the Pride ERG. “We take great pride in consistently looking at new ways to improve experiences. Whether it’s encouraging all to add their pronouns to badges and email signatures, or recommending inclusive language on our restroom signage, or looking at our own internal systems and fixing issues that may pop up when a colleague changes their name. As we hear from our employees, we also continually evaluate our benefits to ensure they meet the unique needs of the LGBTQIA+ community. Our ERG does not settle for the status quo. It’s our role to champion inclusivity and continuous improvement.”

core/embed

“Sometimes I think that the Pride Employee Resource Group at T-Mobile found me just as much as I found it,” says Haven Vilminot (They/Them), an HR data analyst and non-binary/transgender T-Mobile employee in Seattle.

When talking about T-Mobile’s Pride is Power 2022 initiative, it’s important to remember how the company’s Pride ERG began and how those simple beginnings continue to have visible effects on its members today, even for those like Haven from the newer Gen Z workforce. Pride participation at T-Mobile began as a grassroots movement before becoming an influential, company-wide commitment.

Back in 2013, some thirty employees from two call centers in Albuquerque took it upon themselves to represent T-Mobile in their local Pride parade. The news of these employees spearheading this participation traveled fast all the way to T-Mobile’s headquarters in Bellevue, Wash., inspiring another hundred employees to not only march in, but also sponsor the Seattle Pride parade the following year. Today, the ERG boasts more than 13,000 members across 50-plus chapters in the country.

“For me, queer community was something that I had outside of work, but that I wasn’t able to bring into work with me, and that’s a very unsustainable way to live,” says Haven, “but T-Mobile is actually the first place that I’ve ever worked where I felt safe to be all the way out of the closet.”

Haven says one reason for that is T-Mobile is the first place where they had an openly gay boss, who connected them to resources at the company specific to the LGBTQIA+ community.

“For me, Pride Month is a moment, I think, where a lot of us like to pause and think about our history, but it is also a time where I feel particularly moved by being able to imagine futures together as people,” says Haven. “For Pride Month 2022, something that I’m thinking about is the concept of taking a door off the hinges when you go through. Outside of my T-Mobile community, I find myself making sure that I am visible and out and taking that door off the hinges on my way through, so that anybody who comes after me maybe has to do a little bit less of that. We’re building on it for each other everywhere we go.”

Brantley Clark (He/Him) says he is many things: A partner. A girl dad. A trans man. A black man. A trans black man. And he is crystal clear how to encapsulate all that succinctly if you ask what Pride means to him.

“Progressive Individualism,” he will tell you. “Those are two words that I hold during Pride.”

They are two words that the global care business support manager from the T-Mobile Wichita Customer Experience Center says not only give space for the many layers of his own unique identity, but also helps to invite others who perhaps, like him, did not always feel represented under the Pride umbrella.

“There’s this epiphanic moment in June that everyone gets from a societal perspective,” says Brantley, “but I walk this journey every day, not just in June. And it’s an every day progression into the right direction as an individual.”

Brantley says when he began his transition at T-Mobile it was abundantly clear that despite the lack of support from family members, he could safely be in what he called “a long-term relationship” with T-Mobile.

“When I stepped into global care as B, as Brantley, I didn’t have to bring on that past history with me,” he explains. “Being in a spot where I had the financial means, the benefits, the insurance and many other supporting factors, is when it really hit home for me, and I realized that T-Mobile is a place that I could commit myself to. T-Mobile gave me the ability to control what I look like and what I presented to the world, and it really helped me to align my internal with my external, and I don’t compromise that for anything.”

This Pride, Brantley says he is hyper-focused on trans visibility within T-Mobile and beyond.

“I have a seat on this plane called Pride,” he says. “But are we always doing the seatbelt checks to make sure everybody’s buckled in? Are we making sure everybody on the manifesto is actually on the plane?”

A leader in his local Pride ERG chapter, he says he was the first trans person on the advisory council and as such feels a sense of responsibility to create a path that others can follow and join him.

“From a LGBTQIA+ perspective, there’s not many examples of leaders who looks like me,” he says. “Which is why my mantra this year has been we're going to do the work to get it done, even if it means that I have to be the face for people to see. What we really need to do is create equality and equity across Pride.”

For Jason Bayless (They/Them), a Community Expert at T-Mobile’s Colorado Springs Customer Experience Center, their advocacy stems from a painful experience with a previous employer and a desire to give back to those who showed them what true advocacy looks like.

“The reason I started at T-Mobile, and it’s a reason that I hear a lot of people say that they are at T-Mobile, is because it is a place that they are able to truly be themselves,” says Jason. “Not embracing that and not stepping out of what for me personally had been a very easy bubble of just passing — that wasn’t being true to myself because I was not giving back what this company had given me, and it’s not helping to pave the way forward for other people.”

Jason became co-chair of the Colorado Spring Pride ERG chapter as a way to advocate for others. Jason’s story of qualifying for hormone therapy and gender reassignment surgery and being supported by T-Mobile’s benefits plan along the way is profound because of the way they felt unable to do basic things according to the gender they identified as in previous jobs.

“More than anything, it had to do with the people around me,” says Jason.

Not comfortable with being out at work previously often led to Jason being “pegged as a lesbian” because there simply were no open conversations about it and using the restroom they felt comfortable in was never something they were able to even consider.

While Jen Palmer says most all of T-Mobile’s properties, including its headquarters, call centers and retail locations, have genderless bathroom options, the company’s gender transition guide and employee handbook also state clearly that “all employees should have access to restrooms that correspond to their gender identity” and that “employees should determine the most appropriate option for themselves.” It’s a policy Jason says they never had before, and the lack of that protected inclusivity caused very public derision.

“Once in a meeting at another company I was very pointedly told by upper management in front of everyone that I was not allowed to go into the restroom that I actually identified as, because that’s not what it showed on my birth records,” recounts Jason. “It's not what showed on my ID. And if I did not agree with it, there was the door. These people that I’d worked with for years, looked me in the eye and then literally physically pointed at the door. I was broken.”

Compare that to the experience Jason had after joining T-Mobile, where they say managers and co-workers not only supported all the protocols to change their name and pronouns after their transition, but even quickly helped fill their shift when a last-minute appointment for part of their gender affirming surgery became available. From the small things to the very big things, Jason says there’s no price you can put on the value of being surrounded by advocates.

“You don’t have to always make a big splash to make an impact,” says Jason. “To turn to my coworker, a cis male who says he has never known anyone who wasn’t straight and have him say we can participate together in ‘<a href="https://www.cnet.com/health/personal-care/what-is-movember-and-no-shave-november-the-history-and-how-to-participate/">No-Shave November</a>’ now that I have been able to grow a full beard, is so incredible.”

If you look up Ellis Bishop-Wright (He/Him) online today, you would be hard pressed not to find some kind of positive comment about how he has impacted people at work. As Ellis was preparing to be part of a <a href="https://lesbianswhotech.org/pridesummit2022/">Lesbians Who Tech</a> event with T-Mobile Chief Human Resource Officer Deeanne King this month to discuss his coming out story at the company, many who felt touched by his kindness were on all major social channels singing his praise.

“Ellis has been a leader and advocate for Human Rights as long as I’ve known him,” writes one person. “He is someone I am proud to work alongside and learn from.”

Others posted that the senior learning solutions consultant in T-Mobile’s Career Development and Learning organization is someone who has been “dedicated to creating a safe and affirming environment in the workplace.” Ellis’ online persona paints an unshakeable force. But speak to Ellis directly and he will acknowledge that the powerful person he feels today is in stark contrast to the person he felt like just four years ago.

“It was May of 2018, and I was depressed, unemployed, and had real doubts I would ever get hired,” says Ellis.

Having lived in a part of Memphis where he says he and his wife were not particularly welcomed in their local stores or their kids’ schools, it wasn’t until he joined T-Mobile a year later that something switched.

“The environment at T-Mobile gave me a lot of confidence and that space to explore who I am,” says Ellis, “and helped me get to the point where I was like, ‘Okay, I’m trans and I need to admit this and stop spending so much time and energy not admitting it.’”

Ellis says he knows there are so many who do not share in his positive experience of coming out at work.

“I am representing trans people of T-Mobile,” says Ellis, “and my coming out was like landing on a soft cloud. Deeanne was excited. My manager happy-cried when I told her. People got so excited for me, and it has just been like doors always open … but I know that others — many, many others — haven’t had such a positive coming out experience as I have and sometimes I feel like guilty about it.”

And while Ellis is careful not to imply through his personal story that there aren’t real risks that trans people face every day when they come out at work, he says he hopes showing what a positive experience can do for both the person and the overall work environment can be impactful on a micro and macro scale.

“This is my first foray into the world as a transgender man,” says Ellis. “When I combine that with the terrifying and terrible legislation that is happening all over this country against trans people, I feel now is the time to speak up and have our voices heard.”

You’ve heard some of their voices, now see some of their faces below at T-Mobile sponsored Pride events as they become available all month long.

<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://www.t-mobile.com/news/_admin/uploads/2022/06/Screen-Shot-2022-06-10-at-8.40.18-AM-1024x685.png" alt="" class="wp-image-88535"/><figcaption>Pride Miami 2022</figcaption></figure>

<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://www.t-mobile.com/news/_admin/uploads/2022/06/Screen-Shot-2022-06-10-at-8.54.27-AM-1-1024x593.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-88568"/><figcaption>Pride Miami 2022</figcaption></figure>

<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://www.t-mobile.com/news/_admin/uploads/2022/06/22CM0154-01_Pride_Parade_Miami-FL_DJI-0105-1-1024x768.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-88658"/><figcaption>Pride Miami 2022</figcaption></figure>

<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://www.t-mobile.com/news/_admin/uploads/2022/06/22CM0154-01_Pride_Parade_Miami-FL_DJI-0107-1024x768.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-88616"/><figcaption>Pride Miami 2022</figcaption></figure>

<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://www.t-mobile.com/news/_admin/uploads/2022/06/22CM0154-01_Pride_Parade_Miami-FL_DJI-0108-1-1024x768.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-88664"/><figcaption>Pride Miami 2022</figcaption></figure>

<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://www.t-mobile.com/news/_admin/uploads/2022/06/22CM0154-01_Pride_Parade_Miami-FL_DJI-0109-1-1024x768.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-88661"/><figcaption>Pride Miami 2022</figcaption></figure>

<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://www.t-mobile.com/news/_admin/uploads/2022/06/22CM0154-01_Pride_Parade_Miami-FL_LM2-1190-1024x681.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-88607"/><figcaption>Pride Miami 2022</figcaption></figure>

<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://www.t-mobile.com/news/_admin/uploads/2022/06/22CM0154-01_Pride_Parade_Miami-FL_LM2-1195-1024x681.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-88625"/><figcaption>Pride Miami 2022</figcaption></figure>

<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://www.t-mobile.com/news/_admin/uploads/2022/06/22CM0154-01_Pride_Parade_Miami-FL_LM2-1198-1024x681.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-88631"/><figcaption>Pride Miami 2022</figcaption></figure>

<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://www.t-mobile.com/news/_admin/uploads/2022/06/22CM0154-01_Pride_Parade_Miami-FL_LM2-1204-1024x681.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-88637"/><figcaption>Pride Miami 2022</figcaption></figure>

<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://www.t-mobile.com/news/_admin/uploads/2022/06/22CM0154-01_Pride_Parade_Miami-FL_LM2-1206-1024x681.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-88628"/><figcaption>Pride Miami 2022</figcaption></figure>

<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://www.t-mobile.com/news/_admin/uploads/2022/06/22CM0154-01_Pride_Parade_Miami-FL_LM2-1211-1-1024x681.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-88667"/><figcaption>Pride Miami 2022</figcaption></figure>

<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://www.t-mobile.com/news/_admin/uploads/2022/06/22CM0154-01_Pride_Parade_Miami-FL_LM2-1223-1024x681.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-88643"/><figcaption>Pride Miami 2022</figcaption></figure>

<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://www.t-mobile.com/news/_admin/uploads/2022/06/22CM0154-01_Pride_Parade_Miami-FL_LM2-1227-1024x681.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-88646"/><figcaption>Pride Miami 2022</figcaption></figure>

<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://www.t-mobile.com/news/_admin/uploads/2022/06/22CM0154-01_Pride_Parade_Miami-FL_LM2-1235-1024x681.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-88652"/><figcaption>Pride Miami 2022</figcaption></figure>

<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://www.t-mobile.com/news/_admin/uploads/2022/06/22CM0154-01_Pride_Parade_Miami-FL_LM2-1240-1024x681.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-88649"/><figcaption>Pride Miami 2022</figcaption></figure>

core/gallery

T-Mobile celebrates Pride by sharing the stories of LGBTQ+ employees who live out their commitment to community and advocacy at work and beyond.

Employee Spotlight: Pride is Power - T-Mobile Newsroom

https://www.t-mobile.com/news/_admin/uploads/2022/06/2539182_Pride_nr-article-6-1-22.png

Members of T-Mobile’s emergency management and response teams explain how they work seamlessly together during natural disasters to restore network outages and bring mobile assets to impacted communities that help keep people connected with loved ones when it matters most.

When it comes to supporting customers and communities after disasters impact connectivity, John Melbert has over two decades of experience in emergency management — and he will tell you the one thing that matters most when it comes to disaster response is simple.

“It’s not about the equipment or the applications,” explains the T-Mobile network engineer manager, “it’s the people. It’s always about the teams and the way they come together and find solutions to any issues.”

It’s why on a beautiful and calm day at T-Mobile’s Bellevue, WA Headquarters that felt far from the emergency events he’s accustomed to, John was excited to introduce to other employees the integral teams and equipment that make up the multi-pronged support for customers and communities impacted by disasters.

As the start of hurricane season quickly approaches —from June 1st until November 30th — John and members of his Network Engineering and Operations Team rolled in a number of their emergency management vehicles and parked them right alongside equipment used by their colleagues from T-Mobile’s Consumer Group Business Continuity Team as part of the Community Support program.

“What you’re seeing is the collaboration between our two teams at large, and reflects exactly how we would show up after a disaster,” says Rod McWilliams, a T-Mobile director with the Business Continuity Team.

An entire city block was lined up with network satellite trucks, Wi-Fi trailers, a Mobile Command Center, a self-powered charging station, a large F-250 pickup truck and so much more.

“From a logistics standpoint, when bad things happen we all stage together,” says John. “You’ll see our engineering trucks side by side with Community Support trucks. It’s one big, unified response, even though we focus on different paths.”

It was a great display of the seamless teamwork and comradery T-Mobile has fostered as the backbone of its large-scale emergency response efforts.

Stories & Blogs

Gen Z Innovators Shine at T‑Mobile’s Changemaker Challenge Lab