T-Mobile Completes $2B Network Expansion in Florida, Covering Entire State with Ultra-Fast 5G Coverage

Business Wire

2 days ago

MIAMI--(BUSINESS WIRE)--T-Mobile (NASDAQ: TMUS) today announced the completion of a $2 billion multi-year network expansion across Florida. The upgrades deliver faster 5G speeds and wider coverage, reaffirming T-Mobile's leadership in 5G innovation and its commitment to fueling economic opportunity in the Sunshine State.
With this move, T-Mobile is making high-speed internet across Florida more accessible than ever before. The massive investment enhances America's Best Network even more with more capacity, coverage and better performance, benefiting residents and businesses in both rural and urban communities. The expansion provides faster than ever data speeds, improved reliability and broader coverage for 22 million Floridians, while also supporting emergency response systems and smart city initiatives.
The multi-year investment expanded 5G coverage through new and upgraded existing cell sites — meaning faster internet speeds for businesses, schools, healthcare providers, first responders and all T-Mobile customers.
'T-Mobile has redefined connectivity in Florida. The investment we've made is bringing real benefits to the people and businesses that call this state home, not just with the fastest speeds, but with increased resiliency and reliability in moments that matter most,' said Ulf Ewaldsson, President of Technology, T-Mobile. 'And we're not done yet. With the country's only 5G Advanced network and as the nation's first provider with a direct-to-cell satellite network, we're on track to deliver an even better network experience to Floridians — years before anyone else.'
Investment Highlights:
Network Sites: 1,282 new or retained sites from the merger with Sprint.
Site Upgrades: Nearly 1,350 sites upgraded across the state, boosting speed, capacity and reliability.
Resilience: Hardened 1,375 sites to improve emergency response and disaster recovery for people to stay connected when it matters most.
Speeds: Average statewide 5G download speeds of 266.7 MB per second, a 216% increase since 2021.
Coverage: Nearly 100% of Floridians are now covered by T-Mobile's 5G network.
Connectivity When and Where It Matters Most
Florida's vulnerability to hurricanes and severe weather demands advanced preparation. As part of its investment, T-Mobile has hardened sites across the state over the past four years, reinforcing them to withstand high winds, floods and power disruptions.
To prepare for major weather events, T-Mobile increased its heavy-duty disaster response satellite vehicles by more than 25% within the last year alone.
T-Mobile's disaster readiness initiatives include:
Permanent backup power (generators and batteries) at critical sites.
Pre-positioned mobile response units and satellite trailers before storms.
24/7 network monitoring and rapid deployment teams.
Coordination with state and local emergency management agencies to prioritize public safety communications.
Going even further, T-Satellite with Starlink helps keep customers in Florida and across the country connected in places no terrestrial network can reach by using satellites in space. T-Satellite officially launches July 23, even for Verizon and AT&T customers. More on T-Satellite here.
Plus, with access to the nation's latest 5G technology — 5G Standalone (SA) — public safety innovation is even more supported. 5G SA brings benefits like network slicing and increased security, and powers T-Mobile's revolutionary network solution for first responders: T-Priority, a cutting-edge 5G solution designed to transform frontline connectivity. T-Mobile was the first provider in the world to roll out a 5G SA network in 2020 and now runs the largest deployment of its kind in the U.S.
'T-Mobile plays an essential role in keeping Floridians connected — not just in daily life, but when it matters most,' said David Bezzant, Vice President, T-Mobile Business Group. 'Through this investment, we're strengthening communications during natural disasters and closing coverage gaps in remote areas, so people can stay connected in critical moments and in places no other signal reaches.'
A Boon for Florida Businesses
T-Mobile's investment in Florida goes way beyond the devices in people's pockets. Businesses, big and small, are also benefiting from the upgrades.
Jacksonville-based Miller Electric will use a 5G private network from T-Mobile's 5G Advanced Network Solutions (ANS) to support operations of fully autonomous bus-shaped shuttles that will transport visitors along a three-mile stretch from the home of the city's professional football team, EverBank Stadium, to the new waterfront hub.
When Miller Electric and T-Mobile announced the partnership late last year, Craig Bowman, Director of Technology for Miller Electric, said, '5G connectivity provides high bandwidth and low latency communication between the AVs and the control center. This turnkey solution will enable the vehicles to navigate the streets alongside other vehicle traffic and will help ensure the bandwidth we need is available to stream real-time video surveillance and two-way audio and video communications between passengers and employees.'
'This $2 billion investment is more than an infrastructure upgrade — it's a launchpad for innovation across Florida,' said Callie Field, President, T-Mobile Business Group. 'With our leading 5G network, we're enabling everything from autonomous transit to advanced technologies like T-Priority that elevate public safety in ways no other network can — all while giving Florida's businesses and communities the reliable, resilient connectivity they need to grow, adapt and lead.'
Local Roots, Global Reach: Connecting Florida, Puerto Rico, the Caribbean and Latin America
T-Mobile's leadership extends beyond the mainland. In Puerto Rico, T-Mobile operates the fastest and most reliable 5G network, delivering critical connectivity to millions of residents and businesses. The company's ongoing investment in Puerto Rico's digital infrastructure mirrors its commitment to Florida: resilient networks, innovative technology, and strong community partnerships. In fact, Opensignal's latest Global Mobile Network Experience report, which measures the average download and upload speed experience from hundreds of operators around the world, found T-Mobile has the best 5G availability in Puerto Rico, placing the company as a global leader for download speeds in countries and territories smaller than 200,000 km2.
Recognizing the strong ties between Florida, the Caribbean and Latin America, T-Mobile also offers comprehensive international calling and roaming plans that provide affordable and reliable ways to reach family, friends and business contacts throughout Latin America and the Caribbean. With T-Mobile's newest plans, families can make international calls to over 70 countries in the region, including Colombia and Cuba, for just $20 per month.
Expanding Access: T-Mobile Fiber and Home Internet
As Florida grows, so does its need for reliable internet. T-Mobile is helping meet this rising demand with two home broadband options designed to deliver value and choice to residents.
T-Mobile 5G Home Internet is an affordable and convenient Wi-Fi solution available to over 6 million households across Florida — that's more than 50% of homes statewide. Leveraging T-Mobile's leading 5G network, the internet service offers fast speeds with a simple 15-minute self-installation.
T-Mobile Fiber delivers future-proofed, reliable internet with plans offering ultra-fast speeds up to 2 Gbps for households with heavier internet demands. It's currently available in Florida communities like St. Petersburg, Pensacola, and St. Cloud, as well as parts of Citrus, Pinellas, and Polk Counties—and beyond—with more locations coming soon.
Both options have plans packed with benefits to give customers a whole lot of value, like unlimited data, no monthly equipment fees and a 5-year price guarantee from the time they sign up.
Retail Growth and Local Job Creation
T-Mobile's investment strategy includes expanding its physical retail presence with more than 200 stores across the state to better serve Floridians and fuel workforce development:
26 new company-owned retail stores opened since 2021 across Florida.
Nine of those stores opened in just the last two years.
These new store openings have created approximately 220 jobs statewide over four years.
This retail expansion ensures T-Mobile's services and support are accessible in urban, suburban and rural communities while reinforcing the company's commitment to enhancing the in-store experience for customers. Currently about 20% of T-Mobile mobile retail employees in the state speak Spanish, mirroring the approximately 20% of Floridians who speak the language.
Supporting Florida's Communities
T-Mobile's commitment to Florida goes far beyond network infrastructure and retail growth. Through a series of grassroots and school-based initiatives, the company is actively investing in the state's civic and youth development through programs like:
Hometown Grants: As part of its national Hometown Grants initiative, T-Mobile has awarded more than $362,000 to eight Florida towns — Arcadia, Alachua, Fort Pierce, Lake Placid, Lake Wales, Monticello, Okeechobee and Quincy — to help revitalize public spaces, enhance digital inclusion and support community-led development. These projects span the renovation and restoration of historic buildings, parks, community event spaces and gardens, empowering local communities and enriching small towns across the state.
Friday Night 5G Lights: Launched in 2024, T-Mobile's Friday Night 5G Lights campaign celebrates school spirit and supports high schools in small towns and rural communities by awarding grants that support schools' football programs.
In Florida, the following schools were each recognized with $5,000 grants:
Belleview High School, Belleview
Bradford High School, Starke
Fernandina Beach High School, Fernandina
LaBelle High School, LaBelle
Lafayette High School, Mayo
Lake Wales, Lake Wales
Lake Weir High School, Ocala
Pine Forest High School, Pensacola
South Sumter High School, Bushnell
Taylor County High School, Perry
These contributions directly supported athletic programs, facility upgrades and student engagement — underscoring T-Mobile's commitment to strengthening communities. Pre-registration is now open for the 2025 program: https://www.t-mobile.com/brand/friday-night-5g-lights.
This year also marked the 13 th year of T-Mobile's sponsorship of Univision's Premio lo Nuestro, the longest-running Latin music award show in the country held in Miami every year. Through its sponsorship, T-Mobile deepens its connection with the Latin community by offering VIP event experiences and in-store activities that celebrate Latin music and culture.
State Leaders Applaud T-Mobile's Commitment
Florida state officials have recognized the significance of T-Mobile's investment and the opportunity it brings for economic development:
T-Mobile isn't just upgrading towers — they're building bridges in our communities with substantial investment in Florida's 5G infrastructure that greatly improves emergency response capabilities. It is a testament to our state's growing role in technological advancement and economic development. I look forward to working with T-Mobile in my new role in Congress.' — U.S. Representative Jimmy Patronis (FL-01)
'Expanding 5G access across Florida is crucial for our state's future. T-Mobile's commitment to improving our digital infrastructure will benefit residents and businesses alike, fostering innovation and ensuring that Florida remains at the forefront of technological progress.' — U.S. Representative Darren Soto (FL-09)
"T-Mobile's investment in Florida's 5G infrastructure is more than just a network upgrade — it's helping build stronger, safer and more connected communities. Enhanced service means faster emergency response and greater opportunity for families and small businesses. I look forward to working with T‑Mobile to support smart infrastructure that strengthens our communities, serves the people of Florida and keeps our state leading in innovation and connectivity.' — Yvette Benarroch, Representative, Florida House District 81
For more information on T-Mobile's network, visit T-Mobile.com/coverage.
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Best network: Based on analysis by Ookla® of Speedtest Intelligence® data Q4 2024–Q1 2025. Ookla trademarks used under license and reprinted with permission. Home Internet & Fiber Price Guarantee: Exclusions like taxes & fees apply. Guarantees monthly price of fixed-wireless 5G internet data or fiber internet data for accounts on eligible plans. See exclusions & details at T-Mobile.com. T-Satellite: Anyone with a compatible device is eligible for T-Satellite Beta trial; limited spots available. Developing technology available in most areas, most of the time; ultimately available in most outdoor areas where you can see the sky. See 5G device, coverage, & access details at T-Mobile.com.
About T-Mobile
T-Mobile US, Inc. (NASDAQ: TMUS) is America's supercharged Un-carrier, delivering an advanced 4G LTE and transformative nationwide 5G network that will offer reliable connectivity for all. T-Mobile's customers benefit from its unmatched combination of value and quality, unwavering obsession with offering them the best possible service experience and undisputable drive for disruption that creates competition and innovation in wireless and beyond. Based in Bellevue, Wash., T-Mobile provides services through its subsidiaries and operates its flagship brands, T-Mobile, Metro by T-Mobile and Mint Mobile. For more information please visit: https://www.t-mobile.com