The FirstNet Network Continues to Expand Across New York to Advance Public Safety Communications Capabilities

New Infrastructure Will Help Advance Public Safety, Improve Connectivity for New York Residents and Visitors

What’s the news? New York’s first responders are getting a major boost in their wireless communications thanks to the FirstNet® network expansion currently underway by AT&T. We’ve added new, purpose-built cell sites– located across New York. These new sites are giving first responders on FirstNet – America’s public safety network – access to always-on, 24-hours-a-day priority and preemption across voice and data.

Nineteen counties across New York– including Allegany, Albany, Broome, Cattaraugus , Chenango, Chemung , Clinton, Delaware , Essex , Franklin, Hamilton, Herkimer, Otsego, Oswego, Schoharie , Seneca , Steuben, Washington and Wyoming– now have  launched FirstNet cell sites. These sites were identified by state and public safety stakeholders as priority locations. With FirstNet, it’s about where first responders need connectivity. That’s what is driving our FirstNet build. These sites were constructed using Band 14 spectrum, as well as AT&T commercial LTE spectrum. Band 14 is nationwide, high quality spectrum set aside by the government specifically for FirstNet. Band 14 has also been added on over 2,000 existing sites across New York as part of the FirstNet build, including markets such as Tompkins, New York, Queens, Kings, Nassau, Suffolk, Erie, Monroe, Bronx, Nassau, Niagara Westchester, Onondaga Duchess, Richmond and Rockland counties.

Why is this important? We consider FirstNet the most important wireless network in the country because it’s serves our first responders. And unlike commercial networks, FirstNet provides dedicated mobile broadband. To ensure AT&T and the First Responder Network Authority (FirstNet Authority) are putting coverage and capacity where first responders need it most, the FirstNet build is guided by direct feedback from New York and public safety officials. This helps ensure New York responders connect to the critical information they need – every day and in every emergency.

What are the benefits to first responders? From 2018 - 2020, AT&T invested more than $1.6 billion in its New York wireless and wired networks and we’re actively extending the reach of FirstNet to give agencies large and small the reliable, unthrottled connectivity and modern communications tools they need. These sites were constructed using 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. That means only those on the FirstNet network will be able to access Band 14 spectrum, further elevating their connected experience and emergency response.

How does this help New York residents? This new infrastructure will also help improve the overall coverage experience for AT&T wireless customers in New York. Residents, visitors and businesses can take advantage of the AT&T spectrum bands, as well as Band 14 when capacity is available.

What is FirstNet? FirstNet is the only nationwide, high-speed broadband communications platform dedicated to and purpose-built for America’s first responders and the extended public safety community. Shaped by the vision of Congress and the first responder community following the 9/11 terrorist attacks, FirstNet stands above commercial offerings. It is built with AT&T in public-private partnership with the First Responder Network Authority – an independent agency within the federal government. The FirstNet network first responders with truly dedicated coverage and capacity when they need it, unique benefits like always-on priority and preemption, and high-quality Band 14 spectrum. These advanced capabilities enable FirstNet to help fire, EMS, EMA law enforcement, and 9-1-1 personnel save lives and protect their communities.

What people are saying:

Amy Kramer

President, AT&T, New York

“New York’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. We have a responsibility unlike any other network provider, and couldn’t be more pleased to support the public safety mission by bringing New York’s first responders – and residents – greater access to the connectivity they need.”

Edward Parkinson

CEO, FirstNet Authority

“FirstNet is a dedicated broadband platform for public safety, by public safety. We worked hand-in-hand with the New York public safety community to understand their needs for the network. And these new sites are a prime example of how that input and feedback is becoming reality. We look forward to supporting New York’s first responders’ use of FirstNet to help them save lives and protect our communities.”

Where can I find more information? For more about the value FirstNet is bringing to public safety, check out FirstNet.com. And go here for more FirstNet news. 

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