AT&T and FirstNet Authority Expand Public Safety Coverage at Fort Benning

AT&T and the First Responder Network Authority (FirstNet Authority) have activated new wireless infrastructure at Fort Benning, Georgia, and Camp Merrill in Dahlonega, strengthening communications for military personnel, first responders and the wider public safety community across both installations. The deployment was unveiled at a Fort Benning event attended by Garrison Commander Colonel Jerel "J.D." Evans, FirstNet Authority Executive Director and CEO Michael Cannon, and AT&T Georgia President Riley Blount.

The new Fort Benning site enhances coverage east of Highway 280, including the McKenna MOUT heliport and the Ranger training area, while the Camp Merrill site improves connectivity across the majority of that installation. Both sites incorporate Band 14 spectrum, the nationwide high-quality spectrum reserved for FirstNet subscribers and made available to AT&T customers when not in use by public safety.

"At Fort Benning, getting the mission done really depends on having strong support systems in place across the installation, especially reliable communications," said Fort Benning Garrison Commander Colonel Jerel "J.D." Evans. "This new FirstNet cell site will help support public safety operations and improve connectivity for the soldiers, families, civilians, and mission partners who are all part of this community."

Georgia now hosts nearly 2,250 wireless sites with Band 14 spectrum, supporting more than 630 localities where agencies rely on FirstNet.