T-Mobile has announced the launch of T-Priority, a new service designed to provide first responders with prioritized communication capabilities using the carrier’s advanced 5G standalone core and network slicing technology. New York City has signed on as a key initial customer, underscoring the importance of this new offering for public-safety agencies.

“T-Priority” leverages T-Mobile’s 5G network, which delivers higher capacity and lower latency, to ensure that critical communications for first responders take precedence, particularly during emergencies. This service builds on the core advantages of network slicing—a 5G feature that allows for customized, dedicated network resources for mission-critical applications.

Callie Field, President of T-Mobile Business Group, explained how T-Priority offers a significant upgrade over existing systems like AT&T’s FirstNet. “Today, first responders rely mostly on FirstNet’s 4G Band 14, which has far less capacity than our 5G network. While FirstNet’s priority and preemption help users get onto the network, our dedicated slice goes further by giving them the bandwidth and resources they need for critical applications. It’s like having a traffic cop always ensuring first responders get the fastest speeds and lowest latency.”

Network slicing, made possible by T-Mobile’s 5G standalone core, ensures that public-safety users have a dedicated path for communication, especially during high-traffic periods. In extreme cases of congestion, the entire T-Mobile network will prioritize first responders, maintaining essential service levels for 911 calls and emergency communications.

“T-Priority means first responders get exclusive, enhanced 5G service—something our competitors cannot offer today,” Field added.

T-Mobile CEO Mike Sievert reinforced the company’s commitment to supporting first responders. “These brave individuals put their lives on the line every day, and they deserve the best connectivity available. With T-Priority, we are ensuring they have access to the most advanced, reliable 5G technology when they need it most.”

T-Mobile’s 5G network already covers 98% of the U.S. population, and the company continues to invest in expanding its reach. In addition, T-Mobile is exploring satellite-direct-to-device technology to ensure reliable communication, even in areas without terrestrial coverage.

While T-Mobile has a smaller share of first responders compared to other carriers, Field sees T-Priority as a pivotal growth opportunity for the company. “We are thrilled to announce that New York City will be our anchor customer for T-Priority. This partnership reflects the trust placed in T-Mobile’s innovative solutions, particularly in a city for which FirstNet was originally designed.”

New York City CTO Matthew Fraser expressed optimism about the new partnership, stating, “Our goal is to make New York safer and more affordable for all residents, including our public servants. With T-Priority, we are equipping our agencies with the latest technologies to achieve this mission.”

More details on the scope of support for New York City, including potential involvement of key departments like the NYPD and FDNY, will be shared in the near future.

T-Mobile’s T-Priority is already gaining traction with public-safety agencies across the U.S., including the Chicago Police Department, Los Angeles Fire Department, and cities such as Peoria, Arizona.