FirstNet grows by 50,000 Square Miles of LTE Coverage

Band 14 spectrum deployed in more than 500 rural and urban markets across the country; FirstNet, Built with AT&T connections exceed 425,000+

FirstNet and AT&T subscribers got a big boost in wireless connectivity last year as we increased the LTE coverage area for FirstNet and the AT&T network by more than 50,000 square miles nationwide, covering an additional 1 million individuals.

Need a reference mark for the square miles? That’s bigger than the state of Louisiana.

The added LTE coverage is a result of ongoing network build initiatives to expand and enhance connectivity for FirstNet users and consumers in both urban and rural areas.We've also deployed Band 14 spectrum in over 500 markets. This increases the coverage and capacity across the country. And it’s a major plus for the more than 5,250 public safety agencies using 425,000+ connections on FirstNet today. It’s also more than a 60% increase in the number of connections since the end of October 2018.

"We're moving fast to bring the unique features and benefits of FirstNet to life," said Chris Sambar, senior vice president, FirstNet Program at AT&T. "We’re less than a year into the Band 14 build and months ahead of schedule. And we already cover more than 40% of our total FirstNet Band 14 rural and non-rural coverage targets. That's about a 10% jump in the FirstNet square miles covered since last October".

"Witnessing the real, tangible and – at times – life-saving impacts that FirstNet had in 2018 fuels us to keep moving quickly to blanket the country with reliable connectivity. And we're set for the explosive growth ahead," Sambar said.

As we build out FirstNet for you, we have 3 areas of focus:

• Connecting rural and remote responders. FirstNet is your network. So, reaching rural and remote parts of America is one of our top priorities. Areas that are underway and currently benefitting from the FirstNet build include the Black Hills of South Dakota, where nearly half a million people gather for the annual Sturgis Motorcycle Rally; the farming communities of Tulare County, Calif.; and tribal lands within the Chickasaw Nation in south-central Oklahoma.
• Increasing capacity for urban responders. In areas where coverage already exists, we’re helping you get the capacity you need to get the job done. That’s why urban and suburban centers in markets like Dallas, Los Angeles, Miami, New York City, Phoenix, San Diego, San Francisco and more got a Band 14 boost.
• Keeping public safety connected with innovative solutions. We offer innovative solutions to help you communicate no matter where your mission takes you. This includes the nationwide fleet of 72 FirstNet dedicated deployable assets – available 24/7 upon request and at no additional charge. FirstNet users can also purchase their own deployable network assets from our First Responders Mobility Zone program. Or they can get a Rapid Deployment Kit, which is a portable briefcase that allows first responders to quickly establish connectivity where they need it.

Learn more about the value FirstNet is bringing to public safety on FirstNet.com