AT&T continues to invest in Delaware, giving FirstNet subscribers and other customers in the state another boost in mobile broadband connectivity.
In Kent County, AT&T turned on a new site in the town of Hartly that provides coverage along the border between Delaware and Maryland, as well as along Routes 44 and 11. Another new site in Kent County will cover the towns of Staytonville, Oakley, and Farmington, as well as Route 13 between Farmington and Greenwood.
A new site in Seaford, Sussex County will improve coverage along Route 13 and Seaford Road (Alternate Route 13), as well as surrounding neighborhoods and businesses.
“Delawareans are relying on mobile broadband service more each day. That’s why we continue to build out our network across the First State, including our more rural communities.”
Denis Dunn — President, AT&T Delaware
“Delawareans are relying on mobile broadband service more each day. That’s why we continue to build out our network across the First State, including our more rural communities,” said Denis Dunn, president, AT&T Delaware. “These new sites will give our first responders, families and businesses in the area more access to the mobile broadband connections that are so important to the safety, vibrancy and competitiveness of the First State.”
The new sites benefit public safety and first responders on FirstNet – public safety’s dedicated communications platform and give Delaware’s first responders access to the nation’s fastest overall network experience.1 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 Delaware 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.
These new sites have Band 14 spectrum, which 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.
In June, AT&T announced that several purpose-built FirstNet sites were turned on in Delaware. Those sites were identified by state and public safety stakeholders as priority locations. With FirstNet, it’s about where first responders need connectivity.
From 2017-2019, AT&T invested more than $50 million in its wireless and wireline networks in Delaware to expand coverage, boost reliability, and improve connectivity in more communities.
1Based on AT&T analysis of Ookla® Speedtest Intelligence® data median download speeds for Q2 2020. Ookla trademarks used under license and reprinted with permission.