Mobile Broadband Expansion Will Help Give AT&T Customers and FirstNet Subscribers Better Access to Mobile Internet
What’s the news? AT&T* customers and FirstNet® subscribers in Wheaton in western Minnesota got a big boost in wireless connectivity. We’ve added a new cell tower near the intersection of County Road 138 and 660th Avenue just north of Wheaton to enhance the area’s mobile broadband 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. And it’s 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.
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 just for FirstNet subscribers. When not in use by FirstNet subscribers, AT&T customers can enjoy Band 14’s coverage and capacity.
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 a public-private partnership with the First Responder Network Authority (FirstNet Authority) – an independent agency within the federal government. The FirstNet network is providing public safety with truly dedicated coverage and capacity when they need it. These advanced capabilities help fire, EMS, law enforcement save lives and protect their communities. Learn more at FirstNet.com.
Committed to our Minnesota Network: We’ve invested more than $300 million in our Minnesota wireless and wireline networks during 2018-2020. In 2021, we made more than 1,800 network enhancements across Minnesota, including new cell sites, additional network capacity, network upgrades and small cells.
What people are saying:
“From connecting family and loved ones to helping first responders during a crisis, AT&T is committed to investing in our Minnesota network,” said Paul Weirtz, AT&T Minnesota state president. “We consistently work to provide better coverage for our customers and public safety across the state, including in Wheaton and western Minnesota – and we’re investing in our wireless network to accomplish that.”
Where can I find more information? Go here to learn more about how AT&T is supporting Minnesota. For more about the value FirstNet is bringing to public safety, check out FirstNet.com.
FirstNet and the FirstNet logo are registered trademarks and service marks of the First Responder Network Authority. All other marks are the property of their respective owners.
About AT&T Communications
We help family, friends and neighbors connect in meaningful ways every day. From the first phone call 140+ years ago to mobile video streaming, we @ATT innovate to improve lives.
AT&T Communications is part of AT&T Inc. (NYSE: T). For more information, please visit us at att.com.
