FirstNet is Transforming Communications for First Responders in Swain County, North Carolina

Today, AT&T and the First Responder Network Authority (FirstNet Authority) joined local first responders, public safety officials and community leaders in Swain County to highlight how FirstNet® Built with AT&T – the only 5G network built with and for America’s first responders – is delivering unparalleled coverage, security and reliable connectivity to the nation’s public safety community.

U.S. Senator Ted Budd joined representatives from Swain County 911, the North Carolina 911 Board, FirstNet Authority and AT&T to celebrate a new cell site delivering improved connectivity in Bryson City and rural Swain County and a new FirstNet collaboration with the North Carolina 911 Board. 

“North Carolina’s first responders deserve the very best tools to keep our communities safe, and FirstNet is providing that essential connectivity for our public safety community,” said U.S. Senator Ted Budd. “After Hurricane Helene, we saw firsthand the need for stronger emergency infrastructure in Western North Carolina. This new cell site and FirstNet connectivity in Swain County are important investments in public safety and provide reliable communications when every second counts. I appreciate AT&T’s investment in strengthening connectivity in North Carolina.”

The new cell site supports first responders and the extended public safety community on FirstNet, Built with AT&T – America’s public safety network. The new site brings Band 14 spectrum to the area, which is nationwide, high-quality spectrum set aside by the government specifically for FirstNet. We look at Band 14 as public safety’s VIP lane, delivering dedicated connectivity when needed. When not in use by FirstNet subscribers, AT&T customers can enjoy Band 14’s added coverage and capacity.

The North Carolina 911 Board is also working with AT&T and FirstNet to provide FirstNet wireless backup solutions for North Carolina Public Safety Answering Points (PSAPs) statewide so 911 call centers can maintain their network connectivity in the event their primary wired connections are disrupted for any reason.  

“Having the FirstNet backup for our PSAPs provides a critical layer of redundancy that we can rely on. This provides peace of mind for our teams and the citizens we serve, knowing calls will connect, communications won’t be interrupted, and we can respond quickly in any situation,” said L.V. Pokey Harris, Executive Director, North Carolina 911 Board. “It’s about confidence, reliability and ensuring every North Carolinian has access to help when they need it.”