Looks like T-Mobile is going to be partnering up with AT&T this go around after Hurricane Sandy tore up New York and New Jersey. They will be opening up all of their towers in the surrounding areas to lighten the data and talk time load. This should help more people get through to the people they need to without getting network busy issues. In addition, all calls placed and received in those areas on either carrier tower won’t go against their minutes on their plan. We definitely applaud both networks for getting involved so fast and working together to help people, rather than hinder them.
AT&T and T-Mobile Open Networks to Customers of Both Carriers in New York and New Jersey
Dallas and Bellevue, Wash. — October 31, 2012 — In the wake of destruction caused by Hurricane Sandy, AT&T and T-Mobile are taking extraordinary measures to make sure our customers can stay in touch.
AT&T and T-Mobile have entered into an agreement to enable roaming on their networks to customers of both companies in the heavily impacted areas and where capacity is available and for subscribers with a compatible device.
AT&T and T-Mobile customers will be able to place calls just as they normally would, but their calls will be carried by whichever network is most operational in their area. This will be seamless for AT&T and T-Mobile customers with no change to their current rate plans or service agreements even if the phone indicates the device is attached to the other carrier’s network.
T-Mobile and AT&T both utilize network technology based on GSM and UMTS standards, which allows for this sharing of voice and data traffic.