T-Mobile (NASDAQ: TMUS) announced the completion of a $2 billion network expansion across Florida. The company states that the upgrades provide faster 5G speeds and broader coverage for 22 million residents, resulting in improved internet speeds for businesses, schools, healthcare providers, first responders, and all T-Mobile users.
Since the merger with Sprint closed in April 2020, T-Mobile has invested in its infrastructure across Florida with the following achievements:
- Network Sites: 1,282 new or retained cell sites from the merger with Sprint.
- Site Upgrades: Nearly 1,350 cell sites upgraded across the state to boost speed, capacity and reliability.
- Resilience: Hardened 1,375 sites to improve emergency response and disaster recovery for people to stay connected.
- Speeds: Average statewide 5G download speeds of 266.7 MB per second, which the company claims is up 216 percent since 2021.
- Coverage: Nearly 100 percent of Floridians are now covered by T-Mobile’s 5G network.
Portions of its investment include preparation for major weather events. T-Mobile points out that it has hardened sites across the state over the past four years, reinforcing them to withstand high winds, floods and power disruptions, with disaster readiness initiatives including:
- Permanent backup power (generators and batteries) at critical sites.
- Pre-positioned mobile response units and satellite trailers before storms.
- 24/7 network monitoring and rapid deployment teams.
- Coordination with state and local emergency management agencies to prioritize public safety communications.
The company has introduced its T-Satellite service utilizing Starlink satellites to enhance connectivity for customers in Florida and nationwide, especially in areas where its terrestrial network is not accessible. According to T-Mobile, the T-Satellite service will officially launch on July 23, and will be available to accommodate Verizon (NYSE: VZ) and AT&T (NYSE: T) customers.
Additionally, T-Mobile highlights that its 5G Standalone (SA) network architecture supports a range of public safety requirements. The company emphasizes that 5G SA offers advantages such as network slicing and enhanced security, which are instrumental for T-Priority, T-Mobile’s dedicated network solution for first responders.
Reader Interactions