What’s the news? AT&T* is America’s public safety communications partner. It’s been more than 5 years since we were selected by the First Responder Network Authority (FirstNet Authority) to build and operate FirstNet®, and we have moved quickly to bring more coverage, boost capacity and drive new capabilities for Delaware’s first responders and the communities they serve.

With FirstNet, it’s about where first responders need connectivity. That’s why we are building out our network with direct feedback from public safety and local stakeholders. This feedback has been instrumental in deploying Band 14 spectrum across Delaware. And it’s helped to launch new purpose-built FirstNet sites in rural and remote areas identified by state and local officials as places where emergency responses have been previously challenged.

First responders in more than 20 communities across Delaware are using FirstNet, Built with AT&T to stay mission ready. With Band 14 deployed on sites statewide, first responders in communities across Delaware are benefitting from the truly dedicated coverage and capacity it provides when they need it. Our purpose-built site in Kirkwood recently came online, bringing additional coverage and capacity to the community along Red Lion Road. And since 2019, we’ve turned on purpose-built sites in Dagsboro, Dover, Felton, Kenton, Milford, Milton, Newark, Seaford, Smyrna and Townsend.

In addition, as part of our ongoing network investments in Delaware, we turned on new cell sites this year across the state, including two sites in Sussex County: the first just north of Georgetown along Route 113 and a second site in Arabian Acres, bringing mobile broadband to service the community with additional coverage and capacity along Dairy Farm Road.

The federal FirstNet Authority recently highlighted how FirstNet supported Delaware first responders by bringing safety and security to Dover Motor Speedway and Firefly Music Festival in September, keeping responders connected to every piece of information they need. And, to help prepare the next generation of public safety leaders in Delaware, AT&T recently announced new AT&T Public Safety Scholarships at Delaware State University and Delaware Technical Community College.

But we aren’t stopping there. The FCC estimates that over 10,000 lives could be saved each year if public safety were able to reach callers just 1 minute faster. And since 80% of wireless calls take place indoors, in-building dedicated public safety connectivity is essential to public safety operations and overall safety. That’s why we are collaborating with the Safer Building Coalition, the nation’s leading industry advocacy group focused on advancing policies, ideas, and technologies that ensure effective in-building communications capabilities for public safety personnel and the people they serve.

Why is this important? No connection is more important than one that could help save a life. Today, FirstNet is solving for common and long-standing communications challenges that first responders face – things like interoperability, network congestion and commercial network providers slowing public safety’s data connection. FirstNet is giving them superior coverage for day-to-day response and life-saving missions. While commercial wireless offerings remain available to public safety, FirstNet continues to grow because it offers distinct advantages from those commercial offerings. FirstNet comes with unique features, functionality and dedicated spectrum when needed for the public safety community. That’s why public safety fought for their own, separate, dedicated platform, championing the vision that led to the creation of FirstNet.

How does this help bridge the digital divide? The FirstNet network expansion is one way we are helping ensure all of public safety – and the communities they serve – have access to critical connectivity to help meet the urgent challenges of today and tomorrow. We already cover more than 99% of the U.S. population today, but FirstNet is built for all public safety. That means every first responder – career or volunteer; federal, tribal, state or local; urban, suburban or rural.

What is FirstNet? 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. Shaped by the vision of Congress and the first responder community following the 9/11 terrorist attacks, FirstNet stands above commercial offerings. It is built with AT&T in public-private partnership with the FirstNet Authority – an independent agency within the federal government. With more than 21,800 agencies and organizations – accounting for more than 4 million connections nationwide1 – the FirstNet network is providing public safety with truly dedicated coverage and capacity when they need it, unique benefits like always-on priority and preemption, and high-quality Band 14 spectrum. These advanced capabilities enable FirstNet to help fire, EMS, law enforcement and more save lives and protect their communities.

Where can I find more information? For more about the value FirstNet is bringing to public safety, check out FirstNet.com. And go here for more FirstNet news. To learn more about our network updates in Delaware, visit Delaware.att.com.

What people are saying:

Chief Patrick Ogden

Associate Vice President, University of Delaware Police

“Our officers work every day fostering an environment where our students, faculty, staff and visitors feel welcome and safe. The speed is vastly improved, coverage is tremendous and prioritization for special events has been a game changer. Reliable communication is one of the most important tools we have to achieve our goals, which is why we’re using the FirstNet network at the University of Delaware.”

Denis Dunn

President, AT&T Delaware

“FirstNet, Built with AT&T gives first responders the tools they need to keep communities safe and respond to emergencies.  The FirstNet network built specifically for public safety helps first responders in Delaware and across the country do their jobs safely and effectively.”

Lisa Casias

Acting CEO, FirstNet Authority

“FirstNet is a dedicated broadband platform for public safety, by public safety. We worked hand-in-hand with Delaware’s public safety community to understand their needs for the network. And this new infrastructure is a prime example of how that input and feedback is becoming reality. We look forward to supporting the First State’s first responders’ use of FirstNet to help them save lives and protect our communities.”