Member Spotlight: T-Mobile

Posted on February 21, 2020

This February installment of the Safer Buildings Coalition Member Spotlight puts the focus on T-Mobile – the first wireless carrier to join SBC – why the carrier joined our organization, and how T-Mobile and the Safer Buildings Coalition can work together to improve in-building public safety.

Q: Why did T-Mobile join the Safer Buildings Coalition?
A: T-Mobile subscribes to a philosophy that is very consistent with the Safer Buildings Coalition mission: Our goal is to promote and deploy wireless technologies that make tenants and visitors more connected in large commercial and public buildings. Reliance on wireless is universal, and this often includes the dependence of public safety organizations on cellular networks connecting them to people in need. We know this because, according to the National Emergency Number Association (NENA), in many areas across America, 80 percent or more of 9-1-1 calls are made from wireless devices. 

Q: How do wireless carriers like T-Mobile help ensure that critical in-building wireless communication becomes available where it’s needed?
A: Education and visibility are key, as they raise awareness about the need for indoor wireless networks that can readily connect mobile customers to families, friends, colleagues and public safety call centers. During 2015, T-Mobile established an in-building cellular program to address infrastructure needs in the enterprise space. The program, Build Your Own Coverage (BYOC), is one way we make sure government and enterprise decision-makers are up-to-speed with wireless technology -- especially as it evolves to the next generation.

The BYOC program and the T-Mobile for Business initiative (which sells T-Mobile products and services to businesses and other organizations) constantly communicate the importance of having a strong network that can help people connect or stay connected. 

On top of this, building owners and operators need to incorporate cellular wireless infrastructure because in addition to consumer demand, it is an expectation in today’s business and social environments – right there with plumbing and electricity.

Q: Describe T-Mobile’s approach to public safety – why is T-Mobile making this a priority?
A: America’s national emergency calling system is designed to ensure a nationwide, seamless communications infrastructure that can reach emergency services across all 50 states, which millions of people rely on every day.  We support this mission and also believe that public safety is about much more than E-9-1-1.

Even when there is no need to dial 9-1-1, T-Mobile customers treasure the peace of mind that comes with having their mobile device – or their favorite social media app -- close at hand. When GPS helps locate a heart attack victim, or when a tweet can alert family or friends to a user’s whereabouts, our mobile network adds to the notion of personal and public safety. A seven-letter “on my way” text is all it takes for a parent to rest easy. Text-to-9-1-1 is just one more innovation being implemented for 9-1-1 call centers that will support mobile customers, whether outdoors or indoors.

Q: How can T-Mobile and SBC work together to further our joint objectives?
A: With more than five million commercial buildings across America, wireless capabilities are a key amenity for tenants, landlords, building owners, and operators. As wireless technology is constantly being updated and modernized, smart thought leadership and education must be part of the equation. This is true whether building owners and operators are planning for wireless, or if local and state governments are considering updating regulations or laws that impact wireless integration into commercial buildings. SBC’s collaborative partnerships are significant benefits that encourage the adoption of sound policies and regulations specific to in-building wireless technologies.

The Safer Buildings Coalition highlights that many aspects of technology are needed for today’s real estate operators. We’re here to help drive that discussion and make sure solutions are available in the marketplace.

Interested in learning more about indoor connectivity, visit-Mobile’s educational website: HowMobileWorks.com/smallcells. You’ll find materials, videos and facts highlighting T-Mobile’s work to provide best practices to building owners and operators wanting to increase their indoor wireless technologies, especially as 5G becomes the norm. 

T-Mobile
Corporate Headquarters
T-Mobile US, Inc.
12920 SE 38th Street
Bellevue, WA 98006
https://www.t-mobile.com

WOULD YOU LIKE TO HAVE YOUR COMPANY HIGHLIGHTED IN THE MEMBER SPOTLIGHT?
Send your request to [email protected]. We will contact you to discuss.