T-Mobile Deploys Network Upgrades and Emergency Support Teams in Bay Area Ahead of Big Game
Photo Credit: T-Mobile US, Inc.
BELLEVUE, Wash., February 2026 (CALIFORNIA NEWS TODAY) — Wireless telecommunications company T-Mobile has announced expanded network preparations and emergency communications support in the San Francisco Bay Area ahead of Sunday’s Big Game.
California Blog
☀️
California Blog ☀️
Engineering and support teams have been positioned at key locations across the region to help ensure network reliability, capacity, and performance for first responders and public safety officials during the large-scale event. The company says it has worked for several years with local partners to upgrade cell sites and infrastructure in high-traffic and transit areas.
“This is about being on the ground when it matters most so customers don’t experience disruptions and first responders can stay focused on their work, knowing they’re backed by T-Mobile’s leading network connectivity, capacity, and speed for mission-critical moments. Alongside our teams embedded in emergency operations centers and the stadium command center, we are applying network slicing and priority capabilities to deliver a differentiated, secure experience for public safety, so mission-critical communications remain reliable throughout the Big Game, even under peak demand,” said Salim Kouidri, Senior Vice President, Technology at T-Mobile.
According to the company, its preparations include placing network engineers inside local emergency operations centers and inside Levi’s Stadium on game day. T-Mobile has also deployed mobile network assets, including Satellite Cell on Wheels and Satellite Cell on Light Trucks units, to provide additional capacity and backup connectivity. Drone technology is being used to support situational awareness and emergency response.
T-Mobile is providing priority network access for first responders through its T-Priority service, which is designed to help maintain consistent performance during periods of high demand. The company also reported that it has invested more than a year in planning and long-term network upgrades ahead of Big Game week.
Over the past three years, T-Mobile has completed permanent infrastructure improvements around major venues and transportation hubs in the Bay Area, including Ultra Capacity and Extended 5G upgrades. These upgrades are intended to support higher data speeds and network reliability during large events and for ongoing community use.
In addition, T-Mobile said it is supporting “Drone as First Responder” operations in coordination with the San Francisco Police Department, using its network to assist with monitoring and operational planning at fan events before and after the game.
“This weekend’s game is an opportunity to highlight the investments we’ve made in developing and deploying advanced capabilities like 5G Standalone and network slicing, while augmenting network capacity, performance, and experience across the region. Those upgrades aren’t temporary. Even after the last fan leaves the stadium, they remain fully online and operational, helping protect mission-critical traffic and deliver differentiated performance for public safety and other high-demand use cases, strengthening readiness for the community long after game day,” said Kouidri.
According to T-Mobile, the network enhancements and emergency response measures are designed to provide long-term benefits beyond the event, supporting public safety communications and connectivity throughout the region.
For more information, visit www.t-mobile.com.
Source: T-Mobile US, Inc.
