FAQ – The facts about T-Priority

Public safety personnel are increasingly adopting more and more data-intensive devices like smart phones, tablets, and body cameras, to improve their ability to respond. A recent Forrester report shows that over 70% of U.S. first responder agencies² have integrated these devices into their daily operations.

This equips public safety agencies and their teams with increased visibility and information, enhancing situational awareness, streamlining response times, and improving safety and coordination. Yet, the expanding use of these devices puts more strain on the network—especially in high-traffic situations, like bustling metro centers or large-scale public events.

T-Priority is the world’s first 5G network slicing solution for first responders. Backed by our 5G network—the nation’s largest and fastest—T-Priority provides up to five times the network resources available to the average user and 40% more capacity than other providers.

Even during severe network congestion, like at crowded sporting events with thousands of screaming—and streaming—fans, T-Priority moves first responders to the front of the line. So, if an overly enthusiastic fan twists an ankle while jumping on the bleachers, EMS won’t have to wait for bandwidth to become available to get help—they can communicate with each other immediately.

Or, in the case of a widespread natural disaster like a hurricane, T-Priority gives public safety agencies priority access for data-intensive file sharing. So, bodycam footage from frontline personnel can be transmitted back to dispatch for a fuller picture of the situation and the support needed to help those who need it.

Network slicing is a customized network partition dedicated to and tailored for a specific purpose, in this case, public safety. It’s made possible by 5G Standalone (SA)—a network architecture that uses a 5G core, which allows the physical network to be sliced into multiple virtual networks. Unlike Non-Standalone (NSA) 5G, 5G SA operates independently of 4G LTE networks, offering the full benefits of 5G, including faster speeds—10 to 100 times faster than 4G LTE—lower latency, and more support for a greater number of connected devices.

In short, our T-Priority network slice ensures that law enforcement, fire, emergency medical, and other first responders get prioritized access with lower latency and faster 5G speeds.

Today, T-Mobile is the only U.S. network operator to deploy a nationwide 5G architecture. Which means we’re the only network operator that can automatically dedicate nearly all its available data capacity—in the rare event of extreme congestion—to give first responders the highest priority and preemption across our 5G network.

The 5G SA network slice was purpose-built to take advantage of 5G’s faster speeds and better reliability for data-intensive apps and devices. Whether harnessing the network’s everyday peak performance or benefitting from its sheer capacity during heavy congestion, public safety agencies gain a distinct operational advantage from the network slice.

Wireless Priority Service (WPS) is a federal program allowing authorized devices to make and receive priority communications on cellular networks. When a first responder’s device attempts to establish a connection to a nearby cell tower, WPS prioritizes that connection over others, using information contained in the device’s SIM card.

As an authorized WPS provider, we offer WPS users the benefits of priority access and preemption. The T-Mobile network can prioritize first responders and critical infrastructure organizations, ensuring vital communications are transmitted without delay. Established communications sessions are given priority to stay connected and share data during extreme congestion or spotty radio coverage. And while less common due to the robustness of 5G, if the network does reach capacity, T-Priority will recognize priority users and preempt others from joining the network.

Also, note that T-Priority goes beyond what WPS offers on LTE. It supercharges the experience, delivering lower latency and faster 5G speeds more consistently, with up to 5X the network resources of the average user.

Built on our 5G network, T-Priority offers greater capacity and more far-reaching 5G coverage than AT&T or Verizon. How much so? Our network has 40% more 5G capacity than competitors, which means more delay-free communications and data-intensive devices for first responders, even in times of extreme congestion.

T-Priority was purpose-built on our 5G SA core. A key advantage of 5G SA is that it operates independently of 4G LTE networks, offering all the benefits of 5G without requiring an infrastructure overhaul.

What’s more, the T-Mobile network covers 98% of America across more than two million square miles. And we’ve invested in expanding 5G coverage well beyond metro areas, increasing its reach by nearly 500,000 square miles across rural America.

By comparison, the AT&T/FirstNet 4G LTE network is built on legacy infrastructure and is even slower with less capacity than AT&T’s own commercial network. And while Verizon has recently announced a new slicing capability for Frontline, it is only available in select markets and for limited use cases. The truth is that T-Mobile is the only U.S. network operator to deploy a nationwide 5G architecture that is mission-ready to deliver network slicing for First Responders when and where they need it most.

T-Priority, America’s first network slice for public safety, uses the most advanced 5G network technology available to provide the ultimate priority to first responders. Built on the nation’s largest and fastest 5G network, T-Priority supports more data-intensive devices, faster speeds, and more extensive coverage areas.

• Our 5G SA core offers 40% more capacity than competitors, so first responders stay connected —even during severe congestion.
• With speeds of 2.5X faster on average than other providers for data-intensive communications, our network supports the increasing number of devices that first responders use to keep the public safe.
• The T-Mobile network covers 98% of America across more than two million square miles, and we’ve invested in increasing 5G coverage by nearly 500,000 square miles across rural America.

First response agencies deserve the reliable performance of a network built for public safety, and T-Priority delivers. Learn more about T-Mobile public safety solutions.