Monterey’s first responders are getting a major boost in their wireless communications with the addition of a new, purpose-built cell site. The site – located in Monterey– is part of the FirstNet network expansion taking place in Massachusetts which is bringing increased coverage, capacity and capability to first responders across the state. Plus, the new FirstNet site will give Monterey’s first responders access to the fastest overall network experience.

FirstNet is the nationwide, wireless communications platform dedicated to America’s first responders and public safety community. Mandated by Congress, it’s designed to strengthen and modernize public safety communications, helping first responders connect to the critical information they need – every day and in every emergency. FirstNet is built with AT&T* in a public-private partnership with the First Responder Network Authority (FirstNet Authority) – an independent agency within the federal government.

To 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.

Monterey Selectman Steven Weisz says, “Monterey is a rural town with a large senior citizen population. AT&T’s commitment to enhanced cellular telecommunications is not just a convenience, it is a life-line for us.”

This is the first new FirstNet site to be publicly announced in Massachusetts following Governor Baker’s decision to advance its public safety broadband communications with FirstNet. The site is constructed using the dedicated Band 14 spectrum as well as other spectrum bands in the AT&T commercial spectrum portfolio. Band 14 is nationwide, high-quality spectrum set aside by the government specifically for FirstNet. We look at Band 14 as public safety’s VIP lane. In an emergency, this band – or lane – can be cleared and locked just for FirstNet subscribers. Band 14 has also been added on existing sites across Massachusetts.

“FirstNet is a dedicated broadband platform for public safety, by public safety,” said FirstNet Authority Acting CEO Edward Parkinson. “We worked hand-in-hand with Massachusetts’ public safety community to understand their needs for the network. And this cell site is a prime example of how that input and feedback is becoming reality. We look forward to supporting Massachusetts’ first responders’ use of FirstNet to help them save lives and protect communities.”

In addition to further elevating public safety’s connected experience in support of their emergency response, the new site will also help improve the overall coverage experience for AT&T wireless customers in the area. Residents, visitors and businesses can take advantage of the AT&T spectrum bands, as well as Band 14 when additional capacity is available.

“First responders in Massachusetts 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 Patricia Jacobs, President AT&T New England. “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.”

For more about the value FirstNet is bringing to public safety, check out FirstNet.com.