New Infrastructure Will Help Advance Public Safety, Strengthen Connectivity for Area Residents and Visitors
AT&T, in public-private partnership with the First Responder Network Authority (FirstNet Authority), added a new 5G cell site in Lock Haven, Clinton County, as a direct result of state and local public safety feedback, boosting wireless connectivity for first responders on FirstNet®, America’s public safety network.
AT&T and the FirstNet Authority joined local first responders, public safety officials and community leaders to highlight the new site during a special event at the Dunnstown Volunteer Fire Department. The site was built as part of AT&T and the federal government’s ongoing work to expand the FirstNet network where first responders need it most.
“This new site is a direct result of listening to the public safety community and acting on what we heard,” said David Kerr, president, AT&T Pennsylvania. “Through our partnership with the FirstNet Authority, we're expanding connectivity where first responders need it most and helping deliver the reliable communications they depend on every day. It's another example of how FirstNet continues to grow alongside the community it was built to serve.”
Created by the U.S. Congress after 9/11 and built with AT&T in public-private partnership with the federal government, FirstNet is the only nationwide, high-speed broadband communications platform dedicated to and purpose-built for public safety.
“FirstNet was designed to meet the needs of all first responders, including those in rural communities like Lock Haven,” said Allen Proithis, FirstNet Authority Board member. "This new FirstNet site strengthens coverage and gives first responders the connectivity they need to coordinate during emergencies and serve residents when it matters most."
This new cell site is one of over 350 new sites to be deployed across every state as part of a series of strategic investments. The FirstNet Authority, in collaboration with AT&T, is identifying locations for these sites using data modeling and feedback gathered directly from public safety through local coverage enhancement workshops and other engagements.
As public safety’s partner, AT&T has already grown FirstNet to cover more first responders than any network nationwide. FirstNet provides unique benefits to first responders like always-on priority and preemption across all AT&T commercial spectrum bands, as well as public safety’s Band 14. Overseen by the federal government, FirstNet is designed to meet public safety’s needs and continually evolves based on their feedback. Unlike commercial networks, FirstNet is built from the ground up with and for public safety to deliver purpose-built solutions when every moment counts.
In addition to supporting the area’s first responders, this new cell site will also enhance the network experience for AT&T wireless customers in the area.
Learn more about how AT&T is supporting Pennsylvania. For more about the value FirstNet is bringing to public safety, check out FirstNet.com.