AT&T to Put FirstNet First

SHARE THIS ARTICLE

First Responders in 38 cities will now have access to 5G+ (5G using millimeter waves), and additional speed boost along AT&T’s FirstNet network, reports GovTech.com. The faster speeds are being paired with “tower to core” encryption, protecting data transmissions along the entire route, not just limited sections. Further, AT&T says the first responders will see no additional charges for these services.

The cities where 5G+ is available range across 19 states, starting with major urban hubs like New York and Los Angeles. Towers hosting the core encryption will require additional modification. The upgrades are slated to be completed in early 2022.

As part of its commitment to first responders and the FirstNet network, AT&T let it be known that they are fully supportive of the new Health and Wellness Coalition. Group members include the International Association of Fire Chiefs, the National Organization of Black Law Enforcement Executives, and others. The group’s stated goal is to address the stresses and dangers of public safety work. Specific action plans to achieve this goal have not yet been revealed.

However, AT&T President of Public Sector and FirstNet Jason Porter shared the following public post: “The coalition will be developing integrated approaches to raising awareness, identifying technical solutions and applications and local targeted areas to support these priorities.” 

Reader Interactions

Leave a Reply

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.