AT&T customers and FirstNet subscribers in Robeson County 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.
The new site will improve coverage in the Marietta area and along Route 904 and Fair Bluff Rd.
“While wireless connectivity is important for everyone, it is critical in rural areas, especially as people need to keep themselves and their families connected during the pandemic,” said state Rep. Brendan Jones. “Wireless broadband can be a game-changer in so many ways, including education, healthcare and public safety. This is why we work hard in the General Assembly to ensure that North Carolina remains a state that attracts private investment in technology.”
The tower is connected to AT&T’s network using AT&T fiber optics. AT&T has more than 3.8 million strand miles of fiber optics covering North Carolina, enabling the company to offer a wide variety of products and services delivering the high-speed connectivity North Carolina businesses and residents need.
“We consistently work to provide better coverage for the community and its first responders.”
Robert Doreauk – External Affairs Regional Director, AT&T North Carolina
“We want our customers to have a great experience with AT&T 4G LTE service, whether they are streaming videos, engaged in distance learning, or simply talking or texting with family and friends,” said Robert Doreauk, regional director of external affairs for AT&T North Carolina. “We consistently work to provide better coverage for the community and its first responders. And we’re investing in our wireless network 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 North Carolina residents get the best possible experience over the AT&T network wherever they live, work and play.
These upgrades will also benefit public safety and first responders on FirstNet – public safety’s dedicated communications platform and give North Carolina’s first responders access to the nation’s fastest overall network experience.1 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 North Carolina 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 North Carolina
From 2017 to 2019, we invested more than $1.9 billion in our North Carolina wireless and wired networks. These investments boost reliability, coverage, speed and overall performance for residents and their businesses.
1 Based on AT&T analysis of Ookla® Speedtest Intelligence® data median download speeds for Q3 2020. Ookla trademarks used under license and reprinted with permission.
