FirstNet Authority, AT&T to Expand Public Safety Broadband Network With $8B Investment; Joe Wassel Quoted

The First Responder Network Authority and AT&T (NYSE: T) have unveiled a 10-year, $8 billion initiative to further develop and expand FirstNet, the country’s public safety broadband network.

The FirstNet Authority intends to make an investment of $6.3 billion through its contract with AT&T with plans to invest $2 billion more to support coverage improvements, according to a joint release published Tuesday.

Through the investment effort, the two parties will deliver always-on priority and preemption capabilities across 5G to first responders beginning in March, build 1,000 new FirstNet cell sites within the next two years, establish a standalone 5G core to improve 5G functionality and support the move of the Band 14 spectrum to 5G.

AT&T and the FirstNet Authority will also expand voice, video, data and other mission-critical services and enhance operational security and safety by upgrading a fleet of deployable network assets with 5G connectivity.

“We are dedicated to the future of public safety communications, and that starts with expanding and evolving FirstNet to meet first responders’ needs. With this investment, we are ensuring FirstNet remains at the forefront of technology so that public safety can respond smarter, safer, and more effectively,” said Joe Wassel, executive director and CEO of FirstNet Authority.

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