Today, AT&T and the First Responder Network Authority (FirstNet Authority) joined local first responders, public safety officials and community leaders in Swain 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.
U.S. Senator Ted Budd joined representatives from Swain County 911, the North Carolina 911 Board, FirstNet Authority and AT&T to celebrate a new cell site delivering improved connectivity in Bryson City and rural Swain County and a new FirstNet collaboration with the North Carolina 911 Board.
“North Carolina’s first responders deserve the very best tools to keep our communities safe, and FirstNet is providing that essential connectivity for our public safety community,” said U.S. Senator Ted Budd. “After Hurricane Helene, we saw firsthand the need for stronger emergency infrastructure in Western North Carolina. This new cell site and FirstNet connectivity in Swain County are important investments in public safety and provide reliable communications when every second counts. I appreciate AT&T’s investment in strengthening connectivity in North Carolina.”
The new cell site supports first responders and the extended public safety community on FirstNet, Built with AT&T – America’s public safety network. The new site brings Band 14 spectrum to the area, which is nationwide, high-quality spectrum set aside by the government specifically for FirstNet. We look at Band 14 as public safety’s VIP lane, delivering dedicated connectivity when needed. When not in use by FirstNet subscribers, AT&T customers can enjoy Band 14’s added coverage and capacity.
The North Carolina 911 Board is also working with AT&T and FirstNet to provide FirstNet wireless backup solutions for North Carolina Public Safety Answering Points (PSAPs) statewide so 911 call centers can maintain their network connectivity in the event their primary wired connections are disrupted for any reason.
“Having the FirstNet backup for our PSAPs provides a critical layer of redundancy that we can rely on. This provides peace of mind for our teams and the citizens we serve, knowing calls will connect, communications won’t be interrupted, and we can respond quickly in any situation,” said L.V. Pokey Harris, Executive Director, North Carolina 911 Board. “It’s about confidence, reliability and ensuring every North Carolinian has access to help when they need it.”
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 is providing 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. AT&T launched the FirstNet network through a public-private partnership with the FirstNet Authority – an independent entity 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.
“FirstNet was designed for our nation’s first responders, especially those serving rural communities,” said Michael Cannon, FirstNet Authority Executive Director and CEO. “These upgrades are enhancing communications for Swain Country public safety personnel, delivering the connectivity and redundancy they need to respond to all emergencies.”
“For public safety, having reliable coverage is of the essence,” said Sheriff Michael A. Adkinson, Jr., FirstNet Authority board member and Sheriff of Walton County Sheriff's Office. “These communications upgrades will help public safety respond faster and more safely to emergencies and natural disasters in North Carolina. The FirstNet Authority is proud to deliver a reliable, robust broadband network for Swain County first responders to carry out their lifesaving mission.”
“At AT&T, we are investing in the modern wireless communications infrastructure that gives public safety the dedicated connection they can count on,” said Trey Rabon, President, AT&T North Carolina. “With FirstNet, we’re proud to support North Carolina’s first responders and to invest in the connectivity that helps keep our communities safe.”
With more than 770 localities in North Carolina 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 North Carolina to improve and enhance connectivity for first responders subscribed to FirstNet. Today, nearly 2,000 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 AT&T Connects to learn more about how AT&T is supporting North Carolina. 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.
