New infrastructure will bring better coverage to first responders & rural areas
June 23, 2020- Vermont’s public safety community will see enhanced capabilities due to the launch of 2 new, purpose-built FirstNet cell sites in North Bennington and West Bridgewater. These sites were identified by state and public safety stakeholders as priority locations. With FirstNet, it’s about where first responders need connectivity. That’s what is driving our FirstNet network expansion.
FirstNet is exclusively designed to strengthen public safety’s communications capabilities, helping first responders coordinate and respond more quickly and effectively in accidents, disasters, emergencies and day-to-day scenarios.
Mandated by Congress, FirstNet is built with AT&T in a public-private partnership with the First Responder Network Authority (FirstNet Authority) – an independent agency within the federal government. FirstNet is the only nationwide platform that gives first responders entire communication ecosystem of unique benefits including mission-centric devices, certified applications and always-on, 24-hours-a-day priority and preemption across voice and data.
“FirstNet is a dedicated broadband platform for public safety, by public safety,” said FirstNet Authority CEO Edward Parkinson. “We worked hand-in-hand with Vermont’s public safety community to understand their needs for the network. And these cell sites are a prime example of how that input and feedback is becoming reality. We look forward to supporting Vermont’s first responders’ use of FirstNet to help them save lives and protect communities.”
The FirstNet sites are constructed using the Band 14 spectrum, as well as AT&T commercial spectrum bands. 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. In an emergency, this band – or lane – can be cleared and locked just for FirstNet subscribers. Band 14 has also been added on existing sites across Vermont.
In addition to further elevating public safety’s connected experience in support of their emergency response, the new infrastructure will also help improve the overall coverage experience for AT&T wireless customers in the area. Residents, visitors and businesses can take advantage of the AT&T spectrum bands, as well as Band 14 when additional capacity is available.
For more about the value FirstNet is bringing to Vermont public safety, check out FirstNet.com.
Employees at AT&T stores are prepared to assist and provide additional information on our ongoing network expansion in Vermont. Find an AT&T store near you by clicking here.
