In an effort to advance its public safety broadband communications, Connecticut recently announced its collaboration with FirstNet and AT&T to build a safety network.
According to FirstNet, the first newly built site uses AT&T’s commercial spectrum bands, as well as Band 14 spectrum – a nationwide, high-quality spectrum set aside by the government specifically for FirstNet. Band 14 has also been added to existing sites across Connecticut and ensures that FirstNet subscribers alone will have access to the band in emergency scenarios.
State Rep. Jay Case (R-Winsted) said, “This technology and service brings us to a whole new level of public safety communication. I am pleased to see the FirstNet Authority and AT&T staying true to their promise of expanding coverage in our area with this new site. It will be a great benefit to our community knowing that our first responders have access to this type of public safety network.”
The buildout has been managed with direct input from state, local, and public safety officials to ensure AT&T and the FirstNet Authority place coverage and capacity where first responders need it most.
“FirstNet is a dedicated broadband platform for public safety, by public safety,” said FirstNet Authority CEO Edward Parkinson. “We worked hand-in-hand with Connecticut’s public safety community to understand their needs for the network. And this cell site is a prime example of how that input and feedback is becoming reality.”
State Sen. Craig Miner (R-Litchfield) said, “Reliable and consistent communications are imperative for quality public safety and FirstNet has given us just that. Our community suffered from logjams at certain times of day, such as when school got out, but FirstNet capabilities will provide clear lines of communication for our first responders and emergency personnel regardless of what’s going on around town.”
Further improving emergency responses and public safety, the new site also helps improve overall coverage for AT&T wireless customers in the area by allowing connectivity to AT&T’s spectrum bands, including Band 14 when additional capacity is available.
“Connecticut’s first responders deserve reliable coverage across the state to help them effectively and efficiently address incidents. And with FirstNet, that’s exactly what they’re getting,” said John Emra, President AT&T Connecticut. “We couldn’t be more pleased to support the public safety mission and bring the state’s first responders – and residents – greater access to the connectivity they need.”
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