By Editorial Staff
EMS1/FireRescue1
FAIRFAX COUNTY, Va. — In a significant move to bolster public safety communications, AT&T and the FirstNet Authority marked a new chapter in their commitment to first responders.
During a ceremonial signing event on Feb. 13, key representatives from AT&T, the FirstNet Authority and emergency services personnel in Virginia gathered to announce a 10-year investment to evolve and expand FirstNet.
The FirstNet Authority is set to invest $6.3 billion through its AT&T network contract, with plans for an additional $2 billion in future enhancements to boost public safety coverage.
Beginning in March, FirstNet will become the exclusive wireless network to offer first responders uninterrupted priority and preemption across the entire AT&T 5G spectrum, making it the first of its kind to extend such privileges across all 5G commercial frequencies, according to the release.
Over the next 2 years, the plan includes constructing thousands of new, specially designed FirstNet cell sites nationwide, with an immediate goal of 1,000 new sites. This expansion is part of a broader, decade-long effort that goes beyond the initial $6.3 billion investment, aiming to enhance Band 14 coverage based on public safety needs and network performance.
FirstNet will also develop a dedicated 5G core tailored for public safety, enhancing 5G services and facilitating the shift of public safety’s Band 14 spectrum from LTE to 5G, ensuring advanced features and capabilities.
The network will also broaden its suite of mission-critical services, such as voice, video, data and location services, offering an enhanced alternative to traditional, voice-only radio systems, thus providing dependable, wireless support for public safety operations.
The investment will also provide an upgrade to the dedicated fleet of deployable network assets with 5G connectivity on the horizon, aiming to significantly boost operational safety, security and resilience for public safety personnel.