AT&T customers and FirstNet subscribers in Bogalusa got a big boost in wireless connectivity. We’ve added two new cell towers to enhance the area’s high-speed, wireless coverage and help give residents and first responders faster, more reliable wireless service. Our investment will help customers get the most out of their mobile devices.
We know how important it is for our customers to stay connected. That’s why we’re also boosting network reliability and capacity as we expand our network. This helps Louisiana residents get the best possible experience over the AT&T network wherever they live, work and play.
“Whether in their homes, at work, or in the community, our residents need high-speed broadband access, and this enhancement of the wireless networks in our area are critical,” said Wendy O’Quin Perrette, Mayor of Bogalusa. “These continuing investments in our area are vital to our success as a community.”
These upgrades will also benefit public safety and first responders on FirstNet – public safety’s dedicated communications platform and give Louisiana’s first responders access to the nation’s fastest overall network experience.1 FirstNet is bringing public safety communications into the 21st century with new, innovative capabilities to help those users stay safe and save lives.
“We consistently work to provide better coverage for the community and its first responders.”
Eric Jones – Regional Director, AT&T
“We want our customers to have a great experience, and these investments and enhancements to our network in Bogalusa will allow them to experience better network connectivity while streaming videos, sharing on social media or texting family and friends,” said Eric Jones Regional Director AT&T. “We consistently work to provide better coverage for the community and its first responders. And we’re investing in our wireless network to accomplish that.”
These enhancements also bring Band 14 spectrum to the area. 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. When not in use by FirstNet subscribers, AT&T customers can enjoy Band 14’s added coverage and capacity.
FirstNet is built with AT&T in a public-private partnership with the First Responder Network Authority. It’s designed to help first responders in Louisiana and across the country connect to the critical information they need – when they need it – so they can keep themselves and the communities they serve safer.
From 2017 to 2019, we invested nearly $1.1 billion in our Louisiana wireless and wired networks. These investments boost reliability, coverage, speed and overall performance for residents and their businesses.
1 Based on AT&T analysis of Ookla® Speedtest Intelligence® data median download speeds for Q3 2020. Ookla trademarks used under license and reprinted with permission.
