Network expansion continues with new cell site builds

January 21, 2020

by AT&T

New coverage will help advance public safety, improve connectivity for area residents and visitors

First responders in Yamhill and Washington counties in Oregon are getting a major boost in their wireless communications with the launch of a FirstNet cell site. The site, located in rural Yamhill County, is part of the FirstNet network expansion taking place in Oregon, bringing you enhanced coverage, capacity and capability. Plus, the FirstNet site will give you access to the fastest overall network experience.*

To help ensure AT&T and the FirstNet Authority are putting coverage and capacity where first responders need it most, the FirstNet build is being done with direct feedback from state and public safety officials. Public safety stakeholders identified this location as a prime spot for increased network coverage and capacity to better support emergency communications.

  • “The ability of our first responders to communicate during times of disaster is critical,” stated State Representative Ron Noble, who is also a retired McMinnville police chief. The FirstNet nationwide broadband communications platform is dedicated to the needs of public safety and paves the way for new capabilities and innovations in the way we handle emergencies and serve our communities.
  • “The launch of this cell site, with more planned across the state, reaffirms that the FirstNet Authority and AT&T remain steadfast in their mission to deliver a solution that meets public safety’s needs – today and for decades to come. It’s a win for everyone,” he added.
  • “We’re excited about FirstNet delivering on the promise of expanding coverage here in Yamhill County and the addition of this site,” said Brian Casey, Chief of Police for the Newberg-Dundee Police Department. “It will enhance our agency’s ability to communicate and collaborate with other first responders and provides us with cutting-edge technologies that help keep our communities safe."

The FirstNet site is the first to be announced in Oregon following Governor Kate Brown’s decision to advance the state’s public safety broadband communications with FirstNet. It uses Band 14 spectrum as well as AT&T commercial spectrum bands. Band 14 is nationwide, high-quality spectrum set aside by the government specifically for FirstNet. It provides public safety with a dedicated lane of connectivity when needed. Band 14 has also been added to existing sites across Oregon.

  • “Oregon’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 George Granger, president, AT&T Oregon. “We couldn’t be more pleased to support the public safety mission and bring the state’s first responders – and residents – greater access to the connectivity they need.”

In addition to the new cell site, first responder agencies on FirstNet will have access to a fleet of 76 dedicated deployable network assets at no additional charge. Public safety agencies on FirstNet can request the equipment for added support during planned events or emergencies, like the 2018 Sugar Pine/Mile fires in Prospect, Ore. The deployable network asset kept FirstNet subscribers connected to the information they needed to communicate and coordinate their response, and aid in recovery.

FirstNet is also launching cell sites across the country to expand rural and remote coverage – including areas where a lack of connectivity has created a challenge for emergency response. Areas to benefit from a new, purpose-built FirstNet cell site include: 

*Based on AT&T analysis of Ookla® Speedtest Intelligence® data average download speeds for Q3 2019. Ookla trademarks used under license and reprinted with permission.