New Infrastructure Will Help Advance Public Safety, Strengthen Connectivity for Area Residents and Visitors
AT&T, in a public-private partnership with the First Responder Network Authority (FirstNet Authority), has added two new 5G cell sites in rural Cass County as a direct result of state and local public safety feedback. The new sites in Kindred and Davenport are boosting wireless connectivity for first responders on FirstNet®, America’s public safety network, in rural areas of the county with limited wireless coverage previously.
Today, AT&T and the FirstNet Authority joined local first responders to highlight the new sites. The sites were built as part of AT&T’s and the federal government’s ongoing work to expand the FirstNet network where first responders need it most.
“These new cell sites are a direct result of listening to the public safety community and acting on what we heard,” said Cheryl Riley, President, AT&T Upper Midwest States. “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.”
Public safety agencies in Cass County have historically faced challenges staying connected in rural areas of the county. These new cell sites will enhance connectivity and strengthen emergency response and operational efficiency for multiple state and local agencies.
“North Dakota’s first responders need reliable communications to respond quickly to emergencies and keep our communities safe,” said U.S. Senator John Hoeven (R-ND). “These new FirstNet sites will help strengthen connectivity in Cass County, giving first responders the tools they need to coordinate emergency response and protect the public.”
“In a rural state like North Dakota, first responders cover a lot of ground, and having reliable communication can make all the difference in an emergency,” said U.S. Senator Kevin Cramer (R-ND). “FirstNet helps them stay connected, coordinate with each other, and share essential information when every second counts. I’m grateful to see FirstNet listening to the needs of public safety and supporting the people who depend on this network every day. These new sites in Cass County will help our first responders better protect the communities they serve.”
These new cell sites are two of over 350 new sites to be deployed across every state as part of a series of strategic investments by the FirstNet Authority. The deal that Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick reached with AT&T last March is generating cost savings that are enabling the FirstNet Authority to make additional investments in purpose-built sites like the ones in Cass County, as well as other network enhancements to meet public safety’s needs.
“The FirstNet Authority is committed to expanding the network where public safety needs it most, especially to rural areas like here in Cass County,” said Jacque Miller-Waring, Senior Public Safety Engagement Manager, FirstNet Authority. “These new sites will enhance coverage for first responders in the county and surrounding areas, helping them stay connected and protect the communities they serve.”
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. 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.
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, these new cell sites will also enhance the network experience for AT&T wireless customers in Kindred and Davenport.
Learn more about how AT&T is supporting North Dakota. For more about the value FirstNet is bringing to public safety, check out FirstNet.com.
FirstNet and the FirstNet logo are registered trademarks and service marks of the First Responder Network Authority. All other marks are the property of their respective owners.