As we look forward to the new year, now is a good time to reflect on all we have accomplished in 2020. In some way, either directly or indirectly, the pandemic has affected each and every one of us. The challenges brought forth by COVID-19 have undoubtedly tested us, but 2020 has taught us that we can achieve a lot even in the face of great adversity. In some cases, it can even lead to great innovation and opportunity for collaboration.
As workers and learners pivoted unexpectedly to remote classrooms and offices, the importance of broadband has never been greater. AT&T continues to invest in Wyoming’s broadband infrastructure, bringing more connectivity into homes than ever before when families and businesses need it most. We continue to demonstrate our dedication to public safety in Wyoming through investments in FirstNet, the nation’s only wireless network purpose-built for public safety. We also worked throughout the year with organizations that needed our support the most, by providing contributions specifically for anti-hunger, personal protective equipment and mental health services for first responders.
Although gathering together in-person may not be an option, we know at AT&T that staying connected and close through the holidays is important to all of us. While this holiday season may look a little different, we are inspired by the ability of our state to work together to solve difficult problems. We look forward to what is to come in the next year.
Best,
Guillermo Lambarri
Director, External Affairs – AT&T Wyoming
AT&T continues to invest in Wyoming
AT&T has continued to demonstrate its commitment to investing in Wyoming, and 2020 was no exception. So far this year, we’ve made 55 upgrades to our network. And in the past three years (2017-19), AT&T invested more than $45 million in capital expenditures.
Union Wireless agreement
AT&T worked with Union Wireless to support FirstNet network deployment in Wyoming for public-safety users across the state. The $100 million agreement will help build out additional LTE coverage and add Band 14 across rural communities in Wyoming and parts of three other states. The investment will support mobile connectivity for FirstNet subscribers in the state and allow increased and improved coverage for AT&T and Union local customers. The network upgrade includes the construction of and modification to cellular towers and improvements to middle mile infrastructure.
AT&T supports Public Safety and Health in Wyoming
Throughout the year, AT&T has been busy distributing resources across the state, helping to counteract the havoc COVID-19 wreaked in public health and public safety. One such effort was in collaboration with the annual Wyoming Snow and Avalanche Workshop (WYSAW). When social distancing guidelines prohibited the event from being held in person, the Teton County Search and Rescue Foundation and the Bridger Teton Avalanche Center were able to deliver the same life-saving information to participants virtually with the help of an AT&T contribution.
Mental Health for Search and Rescue
In the midst of the pandemic, the AT&T Foundation contributed $8,000 to a collaborative effort by the Teton County Search and Rescue and Teton Interagency Peer Support to fortify the mental health of first responders. This effort has allowed first responders to remain mentally-strong and prepared during this challenging time – providing them and their families with free mental health services.
PPE for Wyoming Sheriff’s Association
AT&T continued to support first responders with a $10,000 contribution to the Wyoming Association of Sheriffs and Chiefs of Police (WASCOP). WASCOP used the contribution to provide Wyoming’s first responders, who come face-to-face with the COVID-19 virus every day, with life-saving personal protective equipment.
Job Training for Moms
AT&T’s efforts to mitigate the effects of the coronavirus and to support Wyoming communities also reached Climb Wyoming, a program which helps low-income single mothers discover self-sufficiency through career training and placement. This $11,000 contribution helped to provide mothers who were impacted by the economic downturn with life skills, mental health services, job training, job placement, and graduate services.
This program drives long-lasting, life-changing results, and helps raise families out of poverty. These are just a few of the ways that AT&T is enacting real, positive change across Wyoming and is staying true to our core value to be there when and where we are needed.
Wyoming Hunger Coalition
AT&T was proud to participate in First Lady Jennie Gordon’s Wyoming Hunger Initiative as supply chains were disrupted and hunger became a growing area of concern in the early months of the coronavirus outbreak. The AT&T Foundation $10,000 contribution supplied resources to anti-hunger non-profits across 23 counties in Wyoming. The effort was specifically directed to feed families in need during the time of crisis.
