Mobile Broadband Expansion Enhances Mobile Internet Access for AT&T Customers and FirstNet Subscribers
AT&T customers and FirstNet® subscribers in six counties are experiencing better connectivity. In the recent months, we’ve upgraded over 40 new cell sites to enhance mobile broadband coverage and help give residents and first responders on FirstNet faster, more reliable wireless service.
The new sites are in 6 counties: Linn, Macon, Shelby, Monroe, Randolph, and Chariton.
This multi-million-dollar investment improves connectivity and the service experience over a broad geographic area stretching roughly an hour’s drive – north to south and east to west – all centered around the Macon area.
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 northeast Missouri residents and visitors 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.
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 and law enforcement save lives and protect communities.
“This is a big deal for consumers, first responders and to AT&T. Prior to this build-out, AT&T was not able to provide our own service in this area. We had to rely on another carrier’s network where our calls had to roam on their network Now, with our own network in place, we can provide the best AT&T experience with the latest technology advancements bringing enhanced coverage, capacity and speeds to the area. And, more importantly, we can now provide the full suite of FirstNet capabilities to our first responder customers.,” said Craig Unruh, President, AT&T Missouri.
