LTE  |  2022-04-14

FirstNet is Connecting More First Responders Across Florida

Source: FirstNet
Curated by: Gert Jan Wolf - Editor-in Chief for The Critical Communications Review

In the nearly 5 years since AT&T was selected by the First Responder Network Authority (FirstNet Authority) to build and operate FirstNet, the company have moved quickly to bring more coverage, boost capacity and drive new capabilities for Florida first responders and the communities they serve – rural, urban and tribal.

Today, AT&T covers nearly all of the state with FirstNet, helping to connect public safety agencies and organizations in more than 170 communities across Florida. The conmpany rolled out Band 14 on thousands of sites across Florida to provide public safety with truly dedicated coverage and capacity when they need it. Areas currently benefitting from Band 14 include Fort Walton Beach, Gainesville, Jacksonville, Miami, Orlando, Pensacola, Tampa and many areas in between.

Now more Florida first responders are gaining access to a one-of-a-kind 5G experience on FirstNet. Public safety has access to 5G+ (mmWave) spectrum in FTX Arena and Hard Rock Stadium in Miami, the Tampa International Airport and Raymond James Stadium in Tampa, as well as Orlando’s professional basketball arena. And we’re continuing to roll out additional 5G connectivity for FirstNet in more communities nationwide.

AT&T is now also working closely with local telecom providers in Florida to more quickly address rural coverage needs and expand the reach of FirstNet for the public safety community across the state, including in Calhoun, Gulf, Holmes, Jackson and Pasco counties.

Edward Parkinson -CEO, FirstNet Authoritysaid;

“FirstNet is a dedicated broadband platform for public safety, by public safety. We worked hand-in-hand with the Florida public safety community to understand their needs for the network. And this new infrastructure is a prime example of how that input and feedback is becoming reality. We look forward to supporting Florida first responders’ use of FirstNet to help them save lives and protect our communities.”