As part of our long-standing support for first responders in Independence, Missouri, AT&T sponsored the Independence Chamber of Commerce’s 2026 First Responders Recognition and Awards Breakfast in March to recognize and thank our local first responders.

These men and women put their lives on the line every day to keep our communities safe, and we’re grateful for their commitment and sacrifice. I was honored to join several of my colleagues from AT&T – and all the attendees – to celebrate and congratulate the award winners for all they do for the City of Independence.

During the event, I announced that we turned on two new cell sites last year in Independence to enhance 5G wireless coverage and capacity and enable residents, businesses, and public safety on FirstNet® , Built with AT&T to get the most out of their mobile devices.

We turned on a new site in June 2025, boosting coverage, capacity and speed around Mize Road and Medical Center Parkway, while a second site turned on in November 2025 boosts coverage around 23^rd Street, Logan Avenue, and Stone Street.    

These enhancements also support first responders and the extended public safety community on FirstNet – America’s public safety network – by bringing 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, delivering dedicated connectivity when needed. When not in use by FirstNet subscribers, AT&T customers can enjoy Band 14’s added coverage and capacity.

It was great to see Mayor Rory Rowland at the event who told me that “reliable wireless connectivity is important for everyone in our community, especially our first responders. We appreciate AT&T’s investment in Independence.”

On March 10, AT&T announced more than $250 billion in investments and spending to support the future of U.S. advanced connectivity. That commitment will help build the high-speed networks and resilience required for the next era of innovation and economic growth.

From 2020 to 2024, AT&T invested more than $4.7 billion in our wireless and wireline networks in Missouri. These investments boost reliability, coverage, speed, and overall performance for residents and their businesses.

Go here to learn more about how we’re supporting Missouri. For more about the value FirstNet is bringing to public safety, check out FirstNet.com. 

It was a great day in Independence. I am glad we were part of it. And, I’m grateful for the work our first responders do in communities across our state – and around the country.