Inauguration Day: FirstNet Reliably Connects First Responders at U.S. Capitol

Scott Agnew, President – FirstNet, AT&T
January 17, 2025
Public Safety


Inauguration Day: FirstNet Reliably Connects First Responders at U.S. Capitol

The 60th Presidential Inauguration is not only a momentous event, but one of the largest events of the year – especially locally in Washington, D.C. As America’s public safety network, FirstNet®, Built with AT&T is providing unmatched network support for federal and local first responders on January 20.

FirstNet is the only communications network that is purpose-built with and for first responders. It was created in a public-private partnership between AT&T and the federal government following September 11, and has been instrumental in first responders emergency response during major events and emergencies across the country, including the ongoing California wildfires, professional sporting events, and recent hurricanes. Leading up to the inauguration, we have worked side by side with federal and local public safety agencies for months, understanding their unique needs and ensuring they’re ready to provide for the safety and security of all who attend this historic event – and we’ll be there with them on the day at federal and local emergency operations centers to respond to any needs that arise in real time.

AT&T SuperCOWs in Washington, D.C.

Overall, we’ve invested more than $10 million in both temporary and permanent solutions to boost the FirstNet and AT&T commercial network for this year’s Inauguration. The FirstNet Response Operations Group™ (ROG), in coordination with public safety officials, is delivering critical connectivity for their operations. And with the influx of people, AT&T has made significant preparations to support attendees’ phone calls, text messages, and social media posts. This includes:

  • Boosting coverage and capacity along the National Mall by placing 7 Cells on Wheels (COWs), including 6 SuperCOWs that generate 20x the capacity of a normal antenna.
  • Pre-positioning several dedicated deployable network assets from the FirstNet fleet around the National Mall and surrounding areas to provide enhanced network coverage for public safety on FirstNet should they need it:
    • FirstNet Compact Rapid Deployables (CRDs), which are portable cell sites that can easily be transported and deployed by a single person within minutes.
    • A Response Communications Vehicle (RCV), which provides an extra level of communications support beyond the standard deployable asset by providing cellular and Wi-Fi connectivity, a command space for communications personnel, a generator, additional portable network equipment, and other features.
  • Enhancements to our existing macro cell site network around the downtown DC area, providing public safety with always-on priority and ruthless preemption across all AT&T spectrum bands – 5G and LTE – as well as public safety’s Band 14 spectrum to protect their critical communications from spectators’ network congestion.
    • In a capability unique to FirstNet, we have also cleared and locked Band 14 on cell sites around the National Mall and surrounding areas, giving public safety truly dedicated connectivity with their own ‘VIP lane.’

From strategically placing portable cell sites to delivering public safety’s dedicated Band 14 spectrum, FirstNet and AT&T are responsive to first responders’ needs in ways that other networks and carriers are not, including and especially during large-scale events like the Presidential Inauguration.

As public safety’s partner, we’re committed to delivering a second-to-none experience for the first responders and extended public safety community. And it’s an honor to work closely with federal and local officials to help ensure they have the critical connectivity they require to protect the safety and security of all attendees and participants at our nation’s 60th Presidential Inauguration.


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