FirstNet Cell Site Launches in Easton, Conn. to Support Public Safety
New FirstNet Cell Site Launches in Easton to Support Public Safety
New Infrastructure Will Help Advance Public Safety, Improve Connectivity for Area Residents and Visitors
Easton’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 in Easton– is part of the FirstNet network expansion taking place in Connecticut which is bringing increased coverage, capacity and capability to first responders across the state. Plus, the new FirstNet site will give Easton’s first responders access to the fastest overall network experience.1
The addition of this new FirstNet site in Easton is in line with public sentiment, as revealed in a recent poll taken in Fairfield County, Connecticut just last month.
The poll showed that in Fairfield County, 73% support infrastructure improvements, such as a new tower, that was dedicated to improving service for public safety and first responders, while only 6% said no. And 95% believe it is important for public safety and first responders to take advantage of high-speed wireless connectivity.
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.
This is the second new FirstNet site to be publicly announced in Connecticut following the state’s decision to advance its public safety broadband communications with FirstNet. The site is constructed using the Band 14 spectrum, as well as AT&T commercial spectrum. Band 14 is nationwide, high-quality spectrum set aside by the government specifically for FirstNet. We look at Band 14 as public safety’s VIP lane. In an emergency, this band – or lane – can be cleared and locked just for FirstNet subscribers. Band 14 has also been added on existing sites across Connecticut.
“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. We look forward to supporting Easton’s 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.
“Easton’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 New England “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.”
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 median download speeds for Q2 2020. Ookla trademarks used under license and reprinted with permission.
