On a blustery day in Western Pennsylvania, I had another chance to join with state and local leaders and local first responders at an event to highlight our ongoing investments in Pennsylvania.
We started the day by visiting a new cell site in Hopewell Township in Beaver County that will help residents, businesses, and public safety on FirstNet®, Built with AT&T get more from their mobile devices. The new site off Brodhead Road boosts coverage and capacity around Five Points in South Central Beaver County. A few days after our event, we turned on another site at Heinz Field at Aliquippa High School. We expect to turn on another key site in Brady’s Run in the first half of 2026.
Since 2022, AT&T also has turned on new sites in Darlington, Fombell, and Rochester, as well as three sites in Aliquippa, in addition to upgrading existing sites countywide.
In addition to providing better coverage for area residents and businesses, the new sites support first responders and the extended public safety community on FirstNet – America’s public safety network. These new sites bring Band 14 spectrum to the area, 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, delivering dedicated connectivity when needed. When not in use by FirstNet subscribers, AT&T customers can enjoy Band 14’s added coverage and capacity.
After visiting the new site, we convened at the Hopewell Township Fire Department where we heard from local leaders and public safety personnel who shared their perspectives on the importance of this new site – and others across the county.
During his remarks to the group, State Rep. Rob Matzie said: “Adequate connectivity is vital….Public-private partnerships with stakeholders that share the same commitment to adequate connectivity make projects like this much more special. I’m pleased to stand with those that invest in my district, in Beaver County, in our region and in our Commonwealth. These key partnerships and investments enable our public safety professionals, and first responders to do what they do best – protect and serve us every single day.”
Beaver County Commissioner Jack Manning added:
“We greatly appreciate the excellent relationship we have with First Net. There is no greater priority we have as County Commissioners than the health and safety of our community. Whether it’s ensuring residents have access to the internet or first responders having increased cell tower coverage, enhancing connectivity across our great county is of vital importance. That is why we are so supportive and grateful for this latest tower here in Hopewell.”
Beaver County Sheriff Tony Guy discussed the importance of this new site to law enforcement personnel in the area.
“Communication is a vital aspect of effective law enforcement. Some time ago I mentioned to members of the FirstNet team the inordinate amount of dropped calls and sub-standard service in the Five Points area. With this new site, that problem has been rectified. On behalf of law enforcement, I’m grateful to FirstNet for this significant upgrade in their pursuit of enhanced public safety.”
We’re proud to invest in Beaver County by expanding our 5G network and supporting the connectivity needs of first responders in this area and across Pennsylvania.
FirstNet and the FirstNet logo are registered trademarks and service marks of the First Responder Network Authority. All other marks are the property of their respective owners.
