AT&T customers and FirstNet subscribers in Chisholm got a big boost in wireless connectivity. We’ve added a new cell tower to enhance the area’s 4G LTE coverage and help give residents and first responders faster, more reliable wireless service. Our investment will help customers get the most out of their mobile devices.
“We consistently work to provide better coverage for Minnesota’s communities.”
Paul Weirtz — President of AT&T Minnesota
“At a time when technology is proving to be even more essential for communication, AT&T customers can rest assured that our company is continuing to invest in our network and new technologies to make connection easier,” said Paul Weirtz, President of AT&T Minnesota. “We consistently work to provide better coverage for Minnesota’s communities. And we’re investing in our wireless network in Chisholm and across the state to accomplish that.”
We know how important it is for our customers to stay connected. That’s why we’re also boosting network reliability and capacity as we expand our network. This helps Minnesota residents get the best possible experience over the AT&T network wherever they live, work and play.
“During these unprecedented times, it has never been more clear how important reliable wireless connectivity is, especially in rural areas,” said State Senator David Tomassoni. “This investment in our communications infrastructure is great news for Chisholm and St. Louis County.”
“Rural connectivity is vital to helping our communities thrive, especially now as work and school has moved to the home for so many,” said Rep. Julie Sandstede. “Investments that provide greater coverage and faster wireless service will benefit businesses, families, students and educators alike.”
These upgrades will also benefit public safety and first responders on FirstNet – public safety’s dedicated communications platform and give Minnesota’s first responders access to always-on, 24-hours-a-day priority and preemption across voice and data. FirstNet is bringing public safety communications into the 21st century with new, innovative capabilities to help those users stay safe and save lives.
These enhancements also bring Band 14 spectrum to the area. Band 14 is nationwide, high-quality spectrum set aside by the government specifically for FirstNet. We look at Band 14 as public safety’s VIP lane. In an emergency, this band – or lane – can be cleared and locked just for FirstNet subscribers. When not in use by FirstNet subscribers, AT&T customers can enjoy Band 14’s added coverage and capacity.
FirstNet is built with AT&T in a public-private partnership with the First Responder Network Authority. It’s designed to help first responders in Minnesota and across the country connect to the critical information they need – when they need it – so they can keep themselves and the communities they serve safer.
We’re committed to our networks in Minnesota
At AT&T, we’ve invested more than $300 million in our Minnesota wireless network during 2017-2019. In 2020, we made almost 2,000 network enhancements across Minnesota, including new cell sites, additional network capacity, network upgrades and small cells. From 2010 to 2019, AT&T invested nearly $1.2 billion in our Minnesota network. We also launched AT&T 5G nationwide in 2020, including in communities across Minnesota such as Worthington, Rochester, Duluth, St. Cloud, Bemidji, Mankato, Brainerd and the Twin Cities, among others.
