San Juan, Puerto Rico – August 13, 2024 - As Tropical Storm Ernesto moves toward Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands, T-Mobile has activated its emergency plans to help keep customers, communities and emergency services connected during the expected heavy rains, flooding and winds. Here's how we're working to support the communities we serve and the network they rely on:

Preparing the network

Our Emergency Management Team, along with our National Operations Centers, are closely monitoring the storm and the performance of our network. T-Mobile is prepared to quickly deploy team members along with microwave and satellite equipment to restore or increase connectivity as needed. This equipment is located in critical and strategic locations for rapid deployment after the storm and includes:

- COLT and COW: Cell-on-Light-Trucks and Cell-on-Wheels that can be driven or towed to affected areas to temporarily restore or improve service.

- Portable and rapidly deployable VSATs: Satellite dishes called "Very Small Aperture Terminals" that can provide a layer of coverage over wide areas

• Microwave solutions: Network technology that offers high throughput and low latency for better data utilization.

Most of the cell sites in Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands have been fortified with permanent generators to keep the sites operating during commercial power outages, and our team has additional portable generators ready to go wherever needed. All stationary and portable generators in the region were refueled prior to the storm, and crews have tens of thousands of gallons of additional fuel available to back up cell sites and infrastructure. Other network sites in the area, including our Mobile Switch Office, Regional Business Office and other emergency center locations, are also equipped with ready and charged generators.

Community support

Our teams are ready to mobilize with Wi-Fi, charging supplies and flashlights to distribute to communities as needed after the storm.

Support for public safety

Our emergency team is in contact with numerous federal, regional and local officials, first responders and organizations, including the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), the national and regional Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Agency (CISA), and the State Interoperability Coordinator and State ESF 2 (Communications) Leads for Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands. Agencies needing assistance with communications issues can contact our 24-hour emergency hotline at 888-639-0020 or send an e-mail to ERTRequests@T-Mobile.com.

Employees and stores

The safety of our employees and their families in the area is of utmost importance. We are monitoring the impact on our employees, stores, Customer Service Centers and other locations and will address any needs that arise. Stores in Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands are closed today. To check the service hours of your local store, please use our store locator on the t-mobile.com website. Existing customers can manage their account through the T Life application.

For more information about T-Mobile and services, follow us on T-Mobile Puerto Rico on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter at T-Mobilepr.com or visit https://www/T-Mobilepr.com.