FirstNet Cell Site Launches in Owl Creek
New FirstNet Cell Site Launches in Owl Creek to Support Public Safety
New Infrastructure Will Help Advance Public Safety, Improve Connectivity for Area Residents and Visitors
Wyoming’s first responders are getting a major boost in their wireless communications with the addition of a new, purpose-built cell site. The site – located near Wyoming Highway 170 in Owl Creek – is part of the FirstNet network expansion taking place in Wyoming, which is bringing increased coverage, capacity and capability to first responders across the state. Plus, the new FirstNet site will give Hot Springs County first responders access to the fastest overall network experience.1
FirstNet is the nationwide, wireless communications platform dedicated to America’s first responders and public safety community. Mandated by Congress, it’s designed to strengthen and modernize public safety communications, helping first responders connect to the critical information they need – every day and in every emergency. FirstNet is built with AT&T* in a public-private partnership with the First Responder Network Authority (FirstNet Authority) – an independent agency within the federal government.
To ensure AT&T and the FirstNet Authority are putting coverage and capacity where first responders need it most, the FirstNet build is being done with direct feedback from state and public safety officials. Owl Creek was selected as a FirstNet site based on the remoteness of the area and the potential need for emergency response.
Owl Creek’s site announcement follows similar announcements in the state of Wyoming, which was one of the first states in the country to opt-in to FirstNet. The site is being constructed using Band 14 spectrum as well as AT&T commercial spectrum bands. Band 14 is nationwide, high-quality spectrum set aside by the government specifically for FirstNet. It provides public safety with a dedicated lane of connectivity when needed. Band 14 has also been added on existing sites across Wyoming.
“Wyoming’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 Terri Nikole Baca, president, AT&T Wyoming “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.”
“FirstNet is a dedicated broadband network for public safety, by public safety,” said Jeff Bratcher, Chief Technology and Operations Officer, FirstNet Authority. “We worked hand-in-hand with Wyoming’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. We look forward to supporting Hot Springs County first responders’ use of FirstNet to help them save lives and protect communities.”
In addition to further elevating public safety’s connected experience in support of their emergency response, the new site will also help improve the overall coverage experience for AT&T wireless customers in the area. Residents, visitors and businesses can take advantage of the AT&T spectrum bands, as well as Band 14 when additional capacity is available.
For more about the value FirstNet is bringing to public safety, check out FirstNet.com.
1Based on AT&T analysis of Ookla® Speedtest Intelligence® data average download speeds for Q3 2019. Ookla trademarks used under license and reprinted with permission.
