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 60^th Presidential Inauguration.