In a move that is expected to increase public safety, FirstNet and AT&T recently launched a new cell site in Wayne County, NC. Dedicated to assisting first responders, FirstNet hopes the site will improve coverage in rural areas.
First responders in Wayne County are expected to get a boost in quality when it comes to their wireless communications. This is due to the expansion of ‘Band 14,’ a wireless spectrum specifically put aside by the government for FirstNet, the press release said. The new site will also give first responders 24-hours priority service on the network across voice and data through AT&T’s network infrastructure.
The opening gained some attention from local and state politicians. “The FirstNet Authority joined Congressman @GKButterfield for a ribbon cutting in Wayne County, #NorthCarolina, to launch a new @FirstNet cell site,” FirstNet Authority tweeted.
Residents also benefit from the new site, which will provide better service and network connectivity. The infrastructure is expected to help improve the coverage experience for AT&T wireless customers in the county.
“I have long been a strong supporter of FirstNet and the work being done to provide the public safety community with state-of-the-art communications capabilities and resources,” G.K. Butterfield, congressman from North Carolina's 1st District, said. “The men and women who put their lives on the line as first responders have long needed the advanced technological tools that will not only help keep them safe but will also help them do the best job possible to serve the residents of North Carolina and across the country.”
FirstNet, chartered in 2012, is the communication infrastructure used by first responders across the United States. An independent federal agency, it is built in a public-private partnership with AT&T.
“Building upon AT&T’s current and planned investments in North Carolina, we’re actively extending the reach of FirstNet to give agencies large and small the reliable, unthrottled connectivity and modern communications tools they need,” the press release said.
