FirstNet is a nationwide wireless broadband network specifically made for first responders. It offers public safety a dedicated communications network which helps them safely do their jobs to protect our communities. About 20 years ago, the legislature passed that verified FirstNet would operate as a government entity. It is because of this that unlike its partner AT&T, there will be no sunset for FirstNet service. For almost five years now, AT&T has been working hard to build out and manage the nation’s first network dedicated to public safety. As of last week, they’ve hit another milestone by expanding 5G access to new locations.
In addition to the 10 they announced last year, AT&T’s FirstNet now offers low-band 5G in the following areas:
- Savannah, GA
- Western Kansas
- Lansing, MI
- Minneapolis, MN
- Toledo, OH
- Charleston, SC
- Hilton Head, SC
- Sioux Falls, SD
- Richmond, VA
- Redmond, WA
Previously announced cities include:
- Austin, TX
- Charlotte, NC
- Cleveland, OH
- Dallas, TX
- El Paso, TX
- Houston, TX
- Knoxville, TN
- Phoenix, AZ
- Raleigh, NC
- San Antonio, TX
AT&T also has something they call 5G+ for public safety, which is 5G operating on millimeter wave. This is available in parts of around 40 cities as well as 35 stadiums and venues. AT&T says they will continue rolling out 5G connectivity for FirstNet in more communities when possible. Unfortunately, that does not include using C-Band.
“While 5G will ultimately bring a combination of benefits like ultra-low latency and ultra-high speeds to support all kinds of users, it’s essential we approach 5G in a different way for first responders,” said AT&T Public Sector/FirstNet President Jason Porter, in a statement. “That’s why, with FirstNet, we’re taking the right steps for public safety. We’ve upgraded the dedicated FirstNet network core to enable reliable 5G connectivity. This gives first responders priority access across AT&T 5G+ (mmWave) spectrum in parts of more than 40 cities and 35 stadiums and venues, as well as across AT&T 5G in 20 cities across the country. We look forward to continuing our work with the FirstNet Authority to evolve public safety’s network and grow access to 5G for America’s first responders.”
According to AT&T, FirstNet now reaches more than 2.81 million square miles across the country, which means it covers 50,000+ more square miles than the largest commercial networks. They also reported more than 3 million connections nationwide are using FirstNet, as of last year.
While first responders have access to other options for public safety networking, AT&T has been growing more popular (compared to options from Verizon and T-Mobile). Now that AT&T has surpassed 95% of the planned FirstNet, it’s on track to complete the network by their deadline in March 2023.
As we know, 5G service is difficult to achieve indoors at a significant difference to LTE. So, AT&T is also making a point to improve in-building public safety connectivity. A majority of wireless calls take place indoors and GPS is not that effective indoors either.
The effort to work on these improvements is being handled by the FirstNet team within AT&T. They are also collaborating with Safer Buildings Coalition, whose mission it is to solve the problem of indoor wireless dead zones. Together, they have been supporting the deployment of Band 14 while also promoting in-building installation standards that meet or exceed existing code and industry best practices.