T-Mobile saves the day after tropical storm batters Hawaii
After a weather emergency knocked out power across Hawaii, T-Mobile is making sure that people stay connected.
T-Mobile keeps Hawaii connected after storm knocks out power | Image by T-Mobile
After parts of the state were drenched by Tropical Storm Lala, Hawaii has had to deal with heavy winds, flooding, and continued power outages. T-Mobile's team in the field sprung into action, seeking to restore sites damaged by the storm. With cellular services down, T-Mobile subscribers in Hawaii were able to look to the skies and use the carrier's T-Satellite feature to stay connected.
T-Mobile enabled full T-Satellite access for its storm-impacted customers in Hawaii
While preparing for the storm, T-Mobile enabled full T-Satellite access for its customers with a compatible device. This included subscribers who were not on a plan that would usually be able to use T-Satellite for free. Those with a compatible phone but are customers of another wireless provider can use T-Satellite to send free emergency texts to 911 and to receive Wireless Emergency Alerts.
On Sunday alone, T-Satellite handled over 17,000 messages
T-Mobile had some interesting numbers to report in a press release. Since extending access to T-Satellite for its subscribers as the storm made its way to Hawaii, almost 29,000 text messages were sent by satellite. Yesterday, which was Sunday according to my phone, the carrier said that 6,200 customers exchanged over 17,000 messages by satellite.
Recovery is the next stage for the state
While recovery is the next stage for the state, T-Mobile is waiving overage charges while providing unlimited talk, text and data through August 22 for T‑Mobile Postpaid and Prepaid, Metro, Assurance Wireless, USCellular, Mint and Ultra customers across the state.
T-Mobile works to restore service in Hawaii following a tropical storm. | Image by T-Mobile
In addition, Community Support members are being sent to Hilo on the Big Island to offer connectivity and charging for those without power who need to replenish the batteries powering their handsets. The aforementioned T-Mobile teams are working with FEMA, CISA and local Civil Defense agencies to access sites that cannot be reached, and to provide generators for power-starved areas.
T-Mobile stores in the state might be closed or operating on an abbreviated schedule
Those in the state should know that local conditions and power issues are forcing some T-Mobile stores to be temporarily closed, while others are operating on adjusted time schedules. If you are in Hawaii, T-Mobile suggests that you go online (if possible) and visit the T-Mobile Store Locator to check the status of a store you are heading over to before you head over to the retail location.
All T-Mobile employees working in Hawaii have been accounted for and teams are at the ready to help any of them who might need assistance. As the recovery phase continues, T-Mobile employees will stay in place, quickly and safely restoring connectivity so that people can get in touch with loved ones, police and medical help if needed.
Some eligible first responders and public safety agencies might need T-Mobile's help to stay connected during recovery. As a result, T-Mobile is making T-Priority and T-Satellite access available to them for no charge on unlocked, compatible devices for 30 days. T-Mobile adds that it is willing to hand out loaner devices for agencies that need them.
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