FirstNet is now bringing more coverage, boost capacity and drives new capabilities for Rhode Island first responders and the communities they serve – rural and urban.

Today, the FirstNet critical communications network covers the entire state – helping to connect public safety agencies and organizations in more than 30 communities across Rhode Island. 

To further expand coverage, from 2019 to 2021 AT&T invested more than $60 million in its wireless network in Rhode Island, adding new cell towers to enhance 4G LTE coverage and also bringing Band 14 spectrum to more areas.

Additionally, Rhode Island was the first state in the nation to receive FirstNet compact rapid deployables (CRDs), which were delivered in August 2021 to the Rhode Island Emergency Management Agency. As trailer-mounted mobile units, CRDs provide FirstNet cellular and Wi-Fi coverage via satellite connectivity to first responders wherever their mission takes them.

More recently, new FirstNet sites in towns like the one in Tiverton, Burrillville and Smithfield were launched . These communities are currently benefitting from this new infrastructure, which will help improve the overall coverage and network capacity experience for public safety on FirstNet and AT&T wireless customers in the area.

Residents, visitors and businesses can take advantage of the AT&T commercial spectrum bands, as well as Band 14 when additional capacity is available.