T-Mobile increases its coverage on the Island | Economy

T-Mobile increased its extended-range LTE signal in Puerto Rico to double its coverage after data usage increased significantly after curfew was decreed on the Island in response to the coronavirus (Covid-19).

Jorge Martel, vice president and general manager of T-Mobile Puerto Rico, said that the emergency caused by Covid-19 has changed the usage patterns of its clients and has had an impact on an increase in data consumption and a drop in traditional data voice calls.

The 600 megahertz (MHz) extended range LTE expands signal capacity in rural areas and laid the foundation for the implementation of 5G technology. Martel explained that the boost will help ensure that T-Mobile customers can stay connected during the lockdown period.

“It is very curious because in Puerto Rico, voice calls have decreased by around 4% since the crisis began, something that we really did not expect. However, the use of data and the Internet has increased by 15%, “said the executive.

Likewise, Martel discussed that the trend is not only at the level of Puerto Rico and that it is reflected at the level of all T-Mobile. “In general, the entire company has registered an increase of 26% in messaging, 38% in the use of the ‘hotspot’ to connect other devices to the Internet, and video game traffic rose by 45%,” he said.

The addition of the additional 600 MHz spectrum in Guaynabo, Rio Grande, Ponce, San Juan and Gurabo. New site in El Yunque, Rio Grande was authorized by the Federal Communications Commission (FCC). “It was achieved through agreements with several spectrum holding companies that were not being used, which effectively doubled the total capacity of LTE throughout the Island,” said Martel.

New economic plan launched

On the other hand, Martel indicated that in response to the crisis caused by the coronavirus and to ensure that everyone has access to data and telephone service, the company will include the prepaid T-Mobile Connect plan at a cost of $ 15 a month; half the price of the company’s lowest smartphone plan.

As discussed, the plan includes unlimited calling and texting, data on ‘smartphones’ with 2GB high speed and access to T-Mobile’s national 5G network. If the client wants more speed, Martel indicated that it is possible to obtain 5GB of high speed with another similar plan of $ 25 plus taxes and that the plan provides an annual data update of 500MB of additional monthly data each year, at no additional cost for the next 5 years.

“It is important right now to ensure that everyone stays connected to ensure that they can continue to stay in touch with their family, working and studying at an affordable price amid economic uncertainty. There is 45% of the population that does not have internet access, 25% that does not have a ‘smartphone’ and just under 60% does not have a computer. There are vulnerable populations that can take advantage of this service ”, emphasized the businessman.

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