AT&T has launched 1,000 new cell sites with public safety’s Band 14 spectrum to further expand connectivity on FirstNet.

The new sites are part of a 10-year investment initiative with the FirstNet Authority to evolve America’s public safety network and expand its dedicated Band 14 spectrum to more public safety-centric locations.

Almost 30,000 agencies and organizations are using FirstNet to communicate, giving first responders always-on priority and preemption across 5G and 4G technologies.

“We have a commitment unlike any other to deliver for public safety – and we delivered these sites 9 months ahead of schedule,” FirstNet says. “These new sites further support first responders’ missions across 46 states and the District of Columbia, with more than two-thirds focused in rural and tribal areas. In addition, the vast majority enhance coverage for key public safety locations like fire stations, police departments, courthouses, and hospitals.”

The new sites mean increased coverage, capacity and dedicated spectrum in more places, as well as the ability to transmit 6 times the signal strength of other carriers with FirstNet MegaRange solutions, the company says.

“Whether we are responding to rural areas or urban incidents like the recent LA fires, FirstNet is our partner in emergency response,” said Sergeant Cruz Correa of California Highway Patrol. “With a comprehensive network, innovative technology, and critical deployable assets, FirstNet is built with our diverse needs in mind, giving us peace of mind that we can stay connected.”

New Phase of Purpose-Built Sites

The FirstNet Authority has begun work on additional purpose-built sites in tribal, territorial, and rural areas identified by public safety.

“These new sites are another major step forward in providing the network that public safety deserves,” said Joe Wassel, executive director and CEO of the FirstNet Authority. “We have worked closely with first responders to ensure the network delivers reliable, resilient coverage wherever their mission takes them."

Coverage is public safety’s top priority, and rural coverage is a key element of the FirstNet program, as mandated by Congress. As part of the initial FirstNet build, AT&T collaborated with rural network providers to quickly expand the reach of FirstNet and launched nearly 1,200 purpose-built sites. To help identify areas for future FirstNet purpose-built sites, the FirstNet Authority is working hand-in-hand with public safety. In 2024 alone, the FirstNet Authority had more than 1,400 engagements with public safety, reaching more than 53,000 first responders and key stakeholders.

“Whether in major cities like Boston or rural areas like Butler, Pa., first responders require reliable communication that is always protected in any emergency,” said Scott Agnew, president, FirstNet, AT&T. “An entire dedicated program of ‘firsts,’ FirstNet is setting the bar for public safety communications so this vital community stays at the forefront of innovative, lifesaving technologies.”

To learn more about FirstNet, go to FirstNet.com.

Individual first responders can also subscribe to FirstNet at their local AT&T store and save 25% off AT&T lines for their family members on the AT&T commercial network.