New FirstNet Cell Site Launches in Stonington, Maine to Support Public Safety

New Infrastructure Will Help Advance Public Safety, Improve Connectivity for Area Residents and Visitors

PRESS RELEASE

Stonington’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 Stonington – is part of the FirstNet(link is external) network expansion taking place in Maine, which is bringing increased coverage, capacity and capability to first responders across the state. Plus, the new FirstNet site will give Stonington’s first responders access to the fastest overall network experience.¹

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.

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 Maine.

“FirstNet is a dedicated broadband platform for public safety, by public safety,” said FirstNet Authority CEO Edward Parkinson. “We worked hand-in-hand with Maine’s 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 the Stonington area’s 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.

“Maine’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 Owen Smith, President, AT&T Maine. “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

News Media Contact

Candice Appiakorang

(202) 510-7505
Candice.Appiakorang@FirstNet.gov