First responders in Delaware are getting a major boost in their wireless communications thanks to a new FirstNet®, Built with AT&T purpose-built cell site located in Cape Henlopen State Park in Sussex County. This new site provides first responders on FirstNet – America’s public safety network – access to always-on, 24-hours-a-day priority and preemption across voice and data.
With access to Delaware Bay, hiking trails, camping facilities, historic World War II towers and more, Cape Henlopen State Park hosts a high quantity and variety of visitors each year, from surfers, fishermen and campers to bikers, recreational sports teams, and many others. Various challenges can pose connectivity difficulties in the park, which can impact emergency response communications.
But with the launch of this new site, FirstNet is delivering enhanced coverage and capacity for Delaware first responders in the area, as well as commercial customers visiting the park. To facilitate better connections in times of need, FirstNet worked closely with several state agencies to implement the site in Cape Henlopen State Park.
“Due to the number of incidents in that area, particularly during the summer months, I am pleased to see that the State of Delaware and AT&T/FirstNet collaborated to enhance the cellular network at Cape Henlopen State Park,” said Joseph L. Thomas, Director, Sussex County Emergency Operations. “This is a win for public safety communications in Sussex County.”
Building upon AT&T’s current and planned investments in Delaware, we’re actively extending the reach of the FirstNet network to give small and large agencies alike the reliable, unthrottled connectivity and modern communications tools they need. The site in Cape Henlopen State Park was 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, or what we consider public safety’s VIP lane. In an emergency, this band – or lane – can be cleared and restricted solely 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 capabilities.
We’ve rolled out Band 14 on more than 80 sites across Delaware to provide public safety with truly dedicated coverage and capacity when they need it most. In Delaware, AT&T invested more than $60 million in our network infrastructure from 2020-2022 to connect more people to greater possibility. These investments boost reliability, coverage, speed and overall performance for residents, businesses and first responders.
“Delaware’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,” said Vince Apruzzese, President, AT&T Delaware. “We have a responsibility unlike any other network provider and couldn’t be more pleased to support the public safety mission by bringing Delaware first responders – and residents – greater access to the connectivity they need.”
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.
