What’s the news?
AT&T customers and FirstNet subscribers in the Pine City got a big boost in wireless connectivity. We’ve added a new cell tower to enhance the area’s 4G LTE 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.
Why is this important?
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 Minnesota residents get the best possible experience over the AT&T network wherever they live, work and play.
These upgrades will also benefit public safety and first responders on FirstNet – public safety’s dedicated communications platform and give Minnesota’s first responders access to always-on, 24-hours-a-day priority and preemption across voice and data. FirstNet is bringing public safety communications into the 21st century with new, innovative capabilities to help those users stay safe and save lives.
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.
Committed to our Networks
At AT&T, we’ve invested more than $300 million in our Minnesota wireless network during 2018-2020. In 2020, we made almost 2,000 network enhancements across Minnesota, including new cell sites, additional network capacity, network upgrades and small cells. From 2010 to 2019, AT&T invested nearly $1.2 billion in our Minnesota network.
What is FirstNet?
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 Minnesota 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.
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. It is built with AT&T in public-private partnership with the federal government. The FirstNet network is providing public safety 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 help fire, EMS, law enforcement save lives and protect communities.
What people are saying
“From connecting family and loved ones to helping first responders during a crisis, AT&T is committed to investing in Minnesota to build state-of-the-art infrastructure that will keep people connected.”
Paul Weirtz — President, AT&T Minnesota
“From connecting family and loved ones to helping first responders during a crisis, AT&T is committed to investing in Minnesota to build state-of-the-art infrastructure that will keep people connected,” said AT&T Minnesota President Paul Weirtz. “By continuing to improve our network at the state and local levels, we are helping businesses grow in Minnesota and helping to ensure that our customers and communities stay connected. We are pleased to make this network investment in Pine City.”
“Wireless connectivity is critical for our residents, families, businesses and first responders, especially during these unprecedented times,” said State Senator Jason Rarick. “This investment in Pine City’s network infrastructure is great news for our community.”
“Investments in mobile technologies help foster connections in everything from business to education to health care, especially now as our lives have changed,” said State Representative Nathan Nelson. “Wireless investments in communities like Pine City will help support connectivity and growth.”
Where can I find more information? For more about the value FirstNet is bringing to public safety, check out FirstNet.com.
