What’s the news? AT&T customers and FirstNet subscribers in Tuscaloosa 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 cell tower is located near the intersection of Brandon Parkway and Rice Mine Road NE and improves wireless coverage and capacity from Wood Villas to Rock Quarry Elementary School, along New Watermelon Road and at the far south end of Lake Tuscaloosa.
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 Alabama 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: AT&T invested more than $1.5 billion in our Alabama wireless and wired networks – from 2017 to 2019 alone – and deployed nearly 2.5 million strand miles of fiber optics stretching across our Alabama footprint. 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, EMA, law enforcement, and 9-1-1 save lives and protect communities.
What people are saying:
“The opportunity to have enhanced connectivity is always great news for our Tuscaloosa residents, businesses and visitors,” said Tera Tubbs, Executive Director of Infrastructure and Public Services for the City of Tuscaloosa. “Enhancing the livability and workability of our community – any community – is important, especially now. We appreciate AT&T’s continued investment and enthusiasm for our great City.”
“We continually invest in our Alabama networks so we can consistently enhance coverage for Alabama – our neighbors, our communities and our first responders.”
Wayne Hutchens — President, AT&T Alabama
“At AT&T, how we define our purpose is creating connections. We connect people with each other, with what they need to thrive, and with the stories and experiences that matter most to them,” said AT&T Alabama President Wayne Hutchens. “We continually invest in our Alabama networks so we can consistently enhance coverage for Alabama – our neighbors, our communities and our first responders.”
“As customers rely on wireless devices more and more to connect to friends and family, doctors, teachers, news and entertainment, we need to make sure Tuscaloosa has the wireless infrastructure to support consumer demand,” said Alabama State Senator Gerald Allen. “AT&T’s new cell tower and continued investment helps our community stay competitive and our residents and businesses stay connected – especially now when it is needed most.”
Where can I find more information?
For more information, please go here to learn more about how AT&T is supporting Alabama. For more about the value FirstNet is bringing to public safety, check out FirstNet.com.
