What’s the news?
AT&T customers and FirstNet subscribers in the Rhinelander and Land O’ Lakes areas got a big boost in wireless connectivity. We’ve added two new cell towers – one by George Lake near Rhinelander and one off County Road B near Land O’Lakes – 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.
Why is this important?
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 Wisconsin residents get the best possible experience over the AT&T network wherever they live, work and play. And it’s giving first responders on FirstNet – America’s public safety network – access to always-on, 24-hours-a-day priority and preemption across voice and data.
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.
Committed to our Networks
From 2018 to 2020, AT&T invested nearly $800 million in our wireless and wired networks in Wisconsin. In 2020, we made more than 1,500 network enhancements across Wisconsin, more than 20 new cell sites, additional network capacity, network upgrades and small cells. These investments boost reliability, coverage, speed and overall performance for residents and their businesses.
What is FirstNet?
FirstNet is the only nationwide, high-speed broadband communications platform dedicated to and purpose-built for America’s first responders and the extended public safety community. It is built with AT&T in public-private partnership with the federal government. The FirstNet network is providing public safety with truly dedicated coverage and capacity when they need it, unique benefits like always-on priority and preemption, and high-quality Band 14 spectrum. These advanced capabilities help fire, EMS, law enforcement save lives and protect communities.
What people are saying
“We consistently work to provide better coverage for Wisconsin communities and our first responders.”
Scott VanderSanden — President, AT&T Wisconsin
“At a time when technology is proving to be even more essential for communication, AT&T is continuing to invest in our network and new technologies to make connection easier. We consistently work to provide better coverage for Wisconsin communities and our first responders. And we’re investing in our wireless network in Rhinelander, Land O’Lakes and across the state to accomplish that,” said Scott VanderSanden, President of AT&T Wisconsin.
“There is no doubt that reliable connectivity is essential when responding to emergencies. With FirstNet’s high-speed wireless network dedicated to public safety, our first responders are better able to connect and communicate with each other when lives are on the line. This network investment is incredible news for our district,” said State Senator Mary Felzkowski.
“During an emergency, it’s vital that our first responders have reliable connectivity and communications tools, especially when seconds count. FirstNet is providing the connectivity, reliability and improved technologies that our first responders need to keep us all safe,” said State Representative Rob Swearingen.
Where can I find more information? For more about the value FirstNet is bringing to public safety, check out FirstNet.com.
