AT&T announced they have been actively deploying public safety’s Band 14 spectrum as part of their FirstNet build. So far, Band 14 has been added to more than 2,500 sites across the country – with the process for 10,000+ more currently underway. And the first FirstNet-dedicated deployable network assets are ready for use.
“Since getting the green light to deploy Band 14 in March of this year, we’ve been moving quickly in order to bring first responders the additional coverage and capacity that only their network can provide,” said Chris Sambar, senior vice president, AT&T-FirstNet. “What’s more, the FirstNet build is based off direct feedback from the states and public safety community. So, each current or new site to get Band 14 helps to meet public safety’s specific network needs.”
Band 14 is nationwide, high-quality spectrum set aside by the government specifically for FirstNet. Once Band 14 is fully deployed over the next several years, it will cover 95 percent or more of the U.S. population.
- Band 14 deployments are underway in 50 states and Puerto Rico. And it’s already on-air for testing in 40+ states. This includes California, Florida, Illinois, North Carolina, Oklahoma and Texas. Band 14 will continue to be rapidly deployed nationwide and submitted to the FirstNet Authority for validation.
- More than 1,000 new sites are planned as part of the FirstNet Band 14 build. This will help close rural coverage gaps in areas like Bedford County, Pa., where responses to emergencies have been previously challenged by a lack of connectivity.
- FirstNet Ready devices with built-in Band 14 access are available to first responders
July 23, 2018
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