AT&T and the First Responder Network Authority have announced the deployment of 1,000 new FirstNet cell sites across 46 states and the District of Columbia, expanding public safety’s dedicated Band 14 spectrum nine months ahead of schedule. These new sites enhance coverage for emergency responders in rural, tribal, and underserved areas, strengthening the reliability of FirstNet®, the only nationwide network built specifically for public safety.
More than two-thirds of the new sites are located in remote regions and bolster connectivity for mission-critical facilities such as fire stations, police departments, courthouses, and hospitals. This phase of expansion supports FirstNet MegaRange™, which enables signal transmission up to six times stronger than traditional commercial networks. FirstNet currently serves over 30,000 agencies and organizations, offering priority and preemption for first responders across 5G and 4G LTE technologies.
Looking ahead, AT&T and the FirstNet Authority are beginning a new phase of development focused on purpose-built sites in regions identified by public safety stakeholders. The network already covers more than 99% of the U.S. population and continues to evolve based on feedback from over 53,000 first responders engaged in 2024. The ongoing build-out reflects FirstNet’s Congressional mandate to ensure rural coverage and nationwide resiliency in emergency communications.
- AT&T deployed 1,000 new FirstNet sites across 46 states and D.C., nine months ahead of schedule.
- Over two-thirds of sites support rural and tribal areas, many serving key public safety infrastructure.
- The expansion enhances Band 14 spectrum availability and supports FirstNet MegaRange™.
- FirstNet now serves over 30,000 agencies with priority and preemption on 5G and 4G networks.
- A new phase of purpose-built sites is underway, guided by direct input from first responders.
“These new sites are another major step forward in providing the network that public safety deserves,” said Joe Wassel, Executive Director and CEO, FirstNet Authority.