T-Mobile is stepping up to support the communities affected by the recent wildfires in California. The company has opened a specific store in South Pasadena to provide free Wi-Fi and 24/7 device charging for anyone impacted by these devastating fires. This T-Mobile retail location is situated at 1318 Huntington Dr., South Pasadena, CA 91030, and is available to all, regardless of whether they are T-Mobile customers.
In collaboration with the American Red Cross, T-Mobile is also working to extend Wi-Fi access and charging stations to local shelters and additional sites. Just last week, the carrier made these vital services available at several spots, including the Pasadena Civic Center and Malibu Equestrian Center.
To aid in restoring wireless coverage in Southern California, where many services have faltered, T-Mobile has deployed a team of 100 professionals, consisting of field engineers, technicians, and other personnel, who are relentlessly working with advanced technology and equipment, such as:
- Satellite Cell on Light Trucks (SatCOLTs) and Satellite Cell on Wheels (SatCOWs) - These mobile cell towers are being dispatched into the affected areas to help restore or enhance service. Currently, SatCOLTs are stationed in Pacific Palisades at Los Angeles Fire Department Station 69 and Loma Alta Park in Altadena.
- "Very Small Aperture Terminals" (VSATS) - These compact satellite dishes can be rapidly deployed to deliver temporary wireless connectivity by relaying data to and from the T-Mobile network. In addition, microwave solutions are being utilized for improved data transmission, alongside portable power generators that fuel these temporary setups. Furthermore, T-Mobile is installing generators and batteries permanently in cell sites, data centers, and switching hubs throughout the region.
T-Mobile's dedicated emergency teams are diligently working to restore connectivity in the Southern California areas facing wildfires. | Image credit: T-Mobile
As reported earlier, T-Mobile is also enabling its customers in L.A. who are experiencing connectivity issues to make calls or send text messages to friends, family, and emergency contacts using Starlink satellites. This service is part of a beta program for Direct-to-Cell that is currently available to select subscribers.
