First responders in Moore County are getting a major boost in their wireless communications with the addition of new, purpose-built FirstNet cell sites and other network enhancements. This new infrastructure is a part of the FirstNet network expansion taking place across the state, bringing increased coverage, capacity and capabilities for public safety.
The new sites bring coverage to the Robbins and Seagrove communities, along North Carolina Highway 705, and will provide AT&T and FirstNet service.
“Today, more than ever, it is critical for folks who live in small towns and rural communities to have access to the latest communications technology, just like their friends in large cities,” said state Sen. Tom McInnis, District 25. “That calls for an intentional, sustained investment of private capital. Announcements like this are why I am constantly working to preserve and expand the public policies that make North Carolina a great place to invest and do business.”
FirstNet is the only nationwide, high-speed broadband communications platform dedicated to and purpose-built for America’s first responders and the extended public safety community. It’s built with AT&T in a public-private partnership with the First Responder Network Authority (FirstNet Authority) – an independent agency within the federal government.
That’s why AT&T has a responsibility unlike any other network provider. And unlike commercial networks, FirstNet provides real, dedicated mobile broadband when needed with always-on priority and preemption for first responders. This helps ensure North Carolina first responders connect to the critical information they need – every day and in every emergency. Plus, it’s giving first responders unthrottled access to the nation’s fastest overall network experience.
The Moore County sites join other new FirstNet cell sites launched this year in rural North Carolina counties including Alleghany, Ashe, Cleveland, Halifax, Northampton, Transylvania, and Warren. These sites were identified by state and public safety stakeholders as priority locations. With FirstNet, it’s about where first responders need connectivity.
FirstNet is the only nationwide platform that gives first responders entire communication ecosystem of unique benefits including mission-centric devices, certified applications and always-on, 24-hours-a-day priority and preemption across voice and data. This is like giving public safety communications the “lights and sirens” treatment so that they stay connected, no matter the emergency.
“North Carolina’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 Trey Rabon, president, AT&T North Carolina. “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. Working with public safety we’ve made FirstNet nimble, adaptable and ready to scale for even the most severe situations as we’re seeing currently with COVID-19.”
“FirstNet is a dedicated broadband platform for public safety, by public safety,” said FirstNet Authority CEO Edward Parkinson. “We worked hand-in-hand with North Carolina’s public safety community to understand their needs for the network. And these network enhancements are a prime example of how that input and feedback is becoming reality. We look forward to supporting Moore County’s first responders’ use of FirstNet to help them save lives and protect communities.”
Contributed.
