T-Mobile becomes the first to enable 988 number for mental health

T-Mobile has added support for the 988 emergency mental health services number. Customers of T-Mobile who dial 988 will be connected to the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline (NSPL) and its network centers across the US.

T-Mobile is the first of its carriers in the US to make a helpline available to customers.

T-Mobile’s chief technology officer, Abdul Saad, said in a statement that making the short emergency number available to customers was “a matter of urgency for us, particularly as the COVID-19 pandemic continues and the holiday season approaches.”

In 2019, FCC released a report which suggested a three-digit hotline number which would make it easier for those seeking help. The FCC voted unanimously in July to make 988 the number to connect to the NSPL hotline.

However, the 988 number isn’t able to receive text messages, which FCC commissioner, Jessica Rosenworcel said at the time was problematic. She noted that voice service is “not native for most young people.”

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