What’s the news? AT&T customers and FirstNet subscribers in Fauquier and Clarke Counties in Virginia got a big boost in wireless connectivity. We’ve added new cell sites to enhance mobile broadband coverage in these communities 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.
A site in Sumerduck, Fauquier County, improves coverage around Mt. Holly and the Catlett Historic District. The site in Boyce, Clarke County, improves coverage around Berry and Pine Acres.
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 Virginia’s residents, businesses 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.
Committed to our Networks: From 2017 to 2019, we invested nearly $700 million in our wireless and wired networks in Virginia. 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. Read more about other purpose-built FirstNet sites that AT&T turned on recently, including sites in Carroll, Floyd, Craig, Grayson, Franklin and Washington Counties late last year, and in Carroll, Fairfax, Floyd and Patrick Counties in the fall of 2020.
What people are saying:
“We want our customers to have a great experience. Thanks to these new sites, they’ll be able to experience better network connectivity while streaming video, sharing on social media or connecting virtually with family and friends. 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.”
Vince Apruzzese — President, AT&T Virginia
Where can I find more information? Go to virginia.att.com to learn more about how AT&T is supporting Virginia. For more about the value FirstNet is bringing to public safety, check out FirstNet.com.
