Representatives from AT&T* and the First Responder Network Authority (FirstNet Authority) today joined Congressman Rob Bresnahan, local first responders, public safety officials, and community leaders in Drums, Luzerne County, to highlight how FirstNet® Built with AT&T – the only 5G network built with and for America’s first responders – is delivering unparalleled coverage, security and reliable connectivity to the nation’s public safety community.
The group highlighted a new hilltop cell site in Drums, which improves coverage and capacity around Butler Drive and Old Turnpike Road. AT&T also recently turned on a new site in Hazleton, which improves coverage and capacity around Jeansville Road and State Route 424. And in December 2024, AT&T turned on a new site in Larksville, which improves coverage and capacity around East State Street and Railroad Street. The Larksville site was among the 1,000 sites nationwide that AT&T committed to launch as part of AT&T’s and the FirstNet Authority’s 10-year investment commitment into the FirstNet network to further expand the reach of public safety’s Band 14 spectrum across the country.
These new sites include public safety’s Band 14 - also known as public safety’s VIP lane – which is nationwide, high-quality spectrum set aside by the government specifically for FirstNet. Now, more Luzerne County first responders have access to the dedicated connectivity when and where they need it to protect and serve their community.
“Public safety communications are all about keeping our neighbors and communities safe. These new sites in Luzerne County will expand the vital connections our first responders need to do their jobs efficiently and effectively. Further access to 5G is great news for the residents and businesses who rely on cellular service to connect with family, friends, customers, and the entire world around them every day,” said U.S. Representative Rob Bresnahan, Jr.
Following the site visit, there was a FirstNet roundtable discussion at the Valley Regional Fire & Rescue station where attendees were able to discuss the many benefits of FirstNet for the public safety community in Luzerne County and around the country.
“FirstNet is set to become a crucial ally in ensuring public safety in our region, thanks to AT&T's dedication and investment in communication for all emergency responders who safeguard vital infrastructure and communities. This technology will be indispensable, enhancing our capabilities when the situation demands it,” said Brice Dalrymple, Fire Chief, Valley Regional Fire Rescue.
FirstNet is the only nationwide, high-speed broadband communications platform dedicated to and purpose-built for America’s first responders and the extended public safety community. FirstNet enables public safety subscribers to communicate with one another easily and quickly during everyday situations, big events and emergencies. It provides first responders with truly dedicated coverage and capacity when they need it, unique benefits such as always-on priority and preemption, and nationwide, high-quality Band 14 spectrum. These advanced capabilities help fire, EMS, law enforcement and other public safety entities save lives and protect their communities.
FirstNet was shaped by the vision of Congress and the first responder community following the 9/11 terrorist attacks. FirstNet is built with AT&T in public-private partnership with the FirstNet Authority – an independent authority within the federal government. As public safety’s partner helping deliver FirstNet, AT&T has a federal mandate to expand and evolve the network, so public safety stays at the forefront of innovative, lifesaving technologies.
“The FirstNet Authority is expanding the network based on public safety's evolving needs and operations,” said Dave Buchanan, director of Public Safety Engagement, FirstNet Authority. “Now, we are delivering on that promise for first responders in Luzerne County and across Pennsylvania. These sites enhance coverage and help public safety serve the community.”
“Public safety organizations play a crucial role in protecting our communities before, during, and after any disaster. And that makes one thing essential: seamless connectivity,” said David Kerr, president, AT&T Pennsylvania. “These new sites, along with our other network investments in Luzerne County and across the Commonwealth, will help ensure first responders have the connectivity they need, when they need it. We’re glad Rep. Bresnahan, the FirstNet Authority, Valley Regional Fire & Rescue and other local leaders could join us for a conversation about the impact of FirstNet in Luzerne County.”
With more than 1,800 communities in Pennsylvania where first responders and public safety agencies rely on FirstNet, the service is critical to public safety across the state. Significant investments have also recently been made in Pennsylvania to improve and enhance connectivity for first responders subscribed to FirstNet. Today, nearly 2,300 wireless sites across the state have Band 14 spectrum. When not in use by FirstNet subscribers, AT&T wireless customers can enjoy Band 14’s added coverage and capacity.
Go to AT&T Connects to learn more about how AT&T is supporting Pennsylvania. For more about the value FirstNet is bringing to public safety, check out FirstNet.com. Individual first responders can also subscribe to FirstNet online or at their local AT&T store.
