Cell innovation to aid local first responders
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DUNNSTOWN -- First responders in Clinton County are expected to benefit from improved wireless connectivity following the launch of a new FirstNet 5G cell site, announced Nov. 10 during an event at the Dunnstown Volunteer Fire Department.
AT&T, in partnership with the First Responder Network Authority, introduced the new cell site in Lock Haven as part of an ongoing effort to strengthen public safety communications and improve connectivity for emergency personnel, particularly in rural communities.
The announcement brought together local first responders, public safety officials and community leaders to highlight the new infrastructure, which was developed in response to feedback from state and local public safety agencies.
"This new site is a direct result of listening to the public safety community and acting on what we heard," said David Kerr, president of AT&T Pennsylvania. "Through our partnership with the FirstNet Authority, we're expanding connectivity where first responders need it most and helping deliver the reliable communications they depend on every day. It's another example of how FirstNet continues to grow alongside the community it was built to serve."
FirstNet, a nationwide broadband communications network specifically designed for first responders and the public safety community, was created by Congress following the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks. The network was established after communication failures during the attacks highlighted the need for a dedicated public safety communications system.
In 2012, Congress enacted legislation creating the First Responder Network Authority, an independent federal agency responsible for establishing the nationwide network. AT&T was selected in 2017 through a competitive bidding process to build, operate and maintain the network through a public-private partnership with the authority.
"FirstNet was designed to meet the needs of all first responders, including those in rural communities like Lock Haven," said Allen Proithis, a FirstNet Authority board member. "This new FirstNet site strengthens coverage and gives first responders the connectivity they need to coordinate during emergencies and serve residents when it matters most."
Unlike traditional commercial wireless networks, FirstNet provides dedicated resources for public safety agencies, including priority and preemption capabilities. This allows first responders to maintain access to communications when network demand increases, such as during major emergencies or natural disasters.
The network also operates on Band 14 spectrum, which is dedicated to public safety. Subscribers have access to specialized applications, devices and other tools designed and tested for emergency response operations.
According to FirstNet information provided at the event, the network currently has more than 8.7 million connections and serves more than 32,200 public safety agencies and organizations. Its coverage extends across approximately 3 million square miles, making it the largest network for public safety.
The Clinton County cell site is among more than 350 new sites planned for deployment across the country as part of ongoing investments in the network. FirstNet Authority and AT&T identify locations for additional infrastructure using data modeling and direct feedback from public safety agencies through coverage enhancement workshops and other community engagement efforts.
In addition to strengthening communications for local emergency personnel, the new cell site is expected to improve wireless service for AT&T customers in the surrounding area.
FirstNet is designed to continually evolve based on the needs and feedback of the public safety community, providing first responders with reliable communications and specialized tools to help them coordinate their response when emergencies occur.