Somerset and Bedford Counties in Pennsylvania share the Gallitzin State Forest. Thanks to a new agreement between AT&T and the First Responder Network Authority, the counties will also be able to share access to high speed broadband connections, reports The Tribune-Democrat.
“Pennsylvanians are relying on mobile broadband service more each day. That’s why we continue to build out our network across the Commonwealth,” said David Kerr, AT&T Pennsylvania President. “These new sites will give our first responders, families and businesses in the area more access to the mobile broadband connections that are so important to the safety, vibrancy and competitiveness of the region.”
AT&T already has a tower in nearby Rockwood. The new agreement will see the construction of two new cell towers. The first will be located along the Gallitzin State Forest, running parallel to the counties’ dividing line. The second is planned for a site on Route 653 between Rockwood and New Centerville.
“If someone’s having a heart attack in that area, the ability to communicate and quickly send data, such as EKG readings to a hospital, might mean the difference between taking a patient to the ER or straight to the cath lab to receive immediate care,” said Northern EMS Commander, Robert Haddad. “It can allow us to save time and save lives.”
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