5 New AT&T Cell Sites Boosting Network Speeds In Tampa Area

AT&T* customers and FirstNet subscribers in Hillsborough, Polk and Manatee counties got a big boost in wireless connectivity.

PRESS RELEASE

JUNE 13, 2020

TAMPA, Fla.— AT&T* customers and FirstNet subscribers in Hillsborough, Polk and Manatee counties got a big boost in wireless connectivity. We’ve added 5 new cell sites in Plant City, Lakeland, Parrish and Mulberry to enhance the area’s 4G LTE coverage and help give residents and first responders faster, more reliable wireless service. Our investment will help customers get the most out of their mobile devices.

The new cell sites are serving:

• The surrounding communities near Hopewell Manor Street and James L. Redman Parkway, just north of CR-60, and Cassells Road in Plant City.
• The area surrounding E. Oleander Street and N. Lake Parker Avenue in Lakeland.
• The community along Temple Street and Pinecrest Road in Mulberry.
• The area surrounding 161st Avenue just off of Rutland Road in Parrish.

“We want our customers to have a great experience. With 4G LTE service, they’ll be able to experience better network connectivity while streaming videos, sharing on social media or texting family and friends,” said Joe York, AT&T Florida president. “We consistently work to provide better coverage for the community and its first responders. And we’re investing in our wireless network to accomplish that.”

We know how important it is for our customers to stay connected. That’s why we’re also boosting network reliability and capacity as we expand our network. This helps residents get the best possible experience over the AT&T network wherever they live, work and play.

These upgrades will also benefit public safety and first responders on FirstNet – public safety’s dedicated communications platform and give Florida’s first responders access to the fastest overall network experience.1 FirstNet is bringing public safety communications into the 21st century with new, innovative capabilities to help those users stay safe and save lives.

These enhancements also bring Band 14 spectrum to the area. 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. When not in use by FirstNet subscribers, AT&T customers can enjoy Band 14’s added coverage and capacity.

FirstNet is built with AT&T in a public private partnership with the First Responder Network Authority. It’s designed to help first responders in Florida and across the country connect to the critical information they need – when they need it – so they can keep themselves and the communities they serve safer.

1. Based on AT&T analysis of Ookla® Speedtest Intelligence® data median download speeds for Q1 2020. Ookla trademarks used under license and reprinted with permission.