ORLANDO, Fla.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--

With Hurricane Matthew currently expected to impact the coastal communities from Florida to the Outer Banks beginning Thursday morning, T-Mobile’s operations and engineering teams are actively monitoring weather patterns and preparing equipment and supplies in the potentially affected areas to help customers stay connected.

The company is readying backup generators, Cell-On-Wheels (COW), and fuel tanks while setting up engineering Command Centers in the areas of expected impact. In addition, T-Mobile’s geo-redundant Network Operation Centers (NOCs) will closely manage network traffic and further coordinate any response needed.

Here are some important steps people can take to increase chances of connecting with loved ones before, during and after the storm:

• Make sure your phone is fully charged before the storm and have a plan to recharge your phone in case of a power outage, such as a car charger or portable power charger. You also can find several options in our retail stores and online.
• Conserve phone battery life during power outages by utilizing your phone’s power-save mode. Also consider reducing screen brightness, turning off location-based services when they’re not being used, and limiting app usage and downloads.
• Send a text instead of calling. Text messages are more likely to get through during high usage periods since texts require fewer network resources.
• If you need to make a call, keep it short so others can also get through. The number of calls spikes during severe weather events; try to limit conversations and keep the network available for all to use.
• Keep your phone dry by storing it in a plastic bag or other waterproof covering.
• Make sure emergency contacts are updated on your phone.
• Use Wi-Fi calling if cellular service is not available. Wi-Fi calling allows T-Mobile customers with capable devices to text and make and receive voice calls via any Wi-Fi connection.
  • For iOS go to Settings > Phone > Wi-Fi Calling.
  • For Android go to Settings > More Connection Settings > Wi-Fi Calling.

Customers can stay up to date with the latest storm forecasts from NOAA’s National Weather Service at weather.gov and the National Hurricane Center at hurricanes.gov. For T-Mobile Customer Care, visit www.my.t-mobile.com or call 611 from your T-Mobile handset.

About T-Mobile US, Inc.

As America's Un-carrier, T-Mobile US, Inc. (NASDAQ: TMUS) is redefining the way consumers and businesses buy wireless services through leading product and service innovation. The Company's advanced nationwide 4G LTE network delivers outstanding wireless experiences to 67.4 million customers who are unwilling to compromise on quality and value. Based in Bellevue, Washington, T-Mobile US provides services through its subsidiaries and operates its flagship brands, T-Mobile and MetroPCS. For more information, please visit http://www.t-mobile.com.

Wi-Fi Calling: Not compatible with TTY devices at this time (including calls to 911). More info.

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