What’s the news?
AT&T customers and FirstNet subscribers in Leavenworth and Wyandotte counties are getting a big boost in wireless connectivity. We’ve added new cell towers to enhance the area’s 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.
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. 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 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.
“With more people and students, learning and working from home, it is vital to have reliable connectivity across the state of Kansas. In the midst of the pandemic, AT&T and FirstNet have continued to ensure that our residents, businesses and first responders have the coverage that they need by continuing to invest in Kansas,” said Kansas State Senator Jeff Pittman.
Committed to our Networks
From 2017 to 2019, we invested nearly $700 million in our wireless and wired networks in Kansas. These investments boost reliability, coverage, speed and overall performance for residents and their businesses.
“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.”
Molly Kocour Boyle — President, AT&T Kansas
“We want our customers to have a great experience. With the expansion of AT&T service, they’ll be able to experience better network connectivity while steaming video, sharing on social media or connecting virtually with family and friends. 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,” said Molly Kocour Boyle, President of AT&T Kansas.
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. 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, EMA, law enforcement, and 9-1-1 save lives and protect communities.
“As the COVID-19 vaccination rollouts continue to take place in Wyandotte County, KS it is critical for us to have reliable connectivity to help with these efforts. We use FirstNet devices in our neighborhood canvassing efforts to promote vaccination, and at our mass vaccination sites to pre-register individuals while they are waiting in line. They work well and are shipped to us quickly. Thanks FirstNet and AT&T for this collaboration,” said Wesley McKain, COVID Vaccination Resources Manager at the Unified Government Public Health Department.
Where can I find more information? Go here to learn more about how AT&T is supporting Kansas. For more about the value FirstNet is bringing to public safety, check out FirstNet.com.
