FirstNet Network expands across NYS to advance public safety communications capabilities in Niagara County

New infrastructure to improve connectivity for area residents & visitors; public safety’s network supports COVID-19 emergency response

New York ’s first responders are getting a major boost in their wireless communications with the addition of 22 new, purpose-built FirstNet cell sites and other network enhancements. This new infrastructure is part of the FirstNet network expansion taking place across the state, bringing increased coverage, capacity and capabilities for public safety. This includes a new FirstNet site in Gasport.

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. It’s built with AT&T in a public-private partnership with the FirstNet Authority – an independent agency within the federal government.

A press release said, “That’s why AT&T has a responsibility unlike any other network provider. And unlike commercial networks, FirstNet provides real, dedicated mobile broadband when needed with always-on priority and preemption for first responders. This helps ensure the Empire State first responders connect to the critical information they need – every day and in every emergency. Plus, it’s giving first responders unthrottled access to the nation’s fastest overall network experience.

“Building upon AT&T’s current and planned investments in New York we’re actively extending the reach of FirstNet to give agencies large and small the reliable, unthrottled connectivity and modern communications tools they need.”

Currently ahead of schedule, the FirstNet build has already brought New York first responders:

•Purpose-built network enhancements – Twenty-two new FirstNet cell sites have launched in the following New York communities: Oneida County in Holland Patent, Camden, Forestport and Deerfield; Cattaraugus County in Versailles; Chenango County in Greene; Clinton County in Ellenburg Center; Franklin County in Chateaugay; Jefferson County in Antwerp Center; Lewis County in Croghan; Madison County in Madison; Niagara County in Gasport; Otsego County in Mount Upton; Schoharie County in Esperance; Schuyler County in Watkins Glen; Seneca County in Romulus; and St. Lawrence County in Richville, West Stockholm, Potsdam, Parishville, Madrid, and Winthrop.

•Public safety-specific advanced capabilities – FirstNet is the only nationwide platform that gives first responders entire communication ecosystem of unique benefits including mission-centric devices, certified applications and always-on, 24-hours-a-day priority and preemption across voice and data.

•Emergency support – New York agencies on FirstNet also have 24/7 access to a nationwide fleet of 76 land-based and airborne deployable network assets. These portable cell sites can either be deployed for planned events or in emergencies at no additional charge. FirstNet response operations – led by a group of former first responders – guides the deployment of the FirstNet deployable assets based on the needs of public safety.

•Free smartphones for life for public safety agencies – FirstNet also expanded its benefits for New York agencies – spanning law enforcement, fire, EMS, health care, hospital emergency departments, emergency management and 911 operations. Now, they can stay up-to-date with free smartphones for life at no additional cost on their FirstNet mobile unlimited plans. This means first responders across agencies of all sizes will have affordable access to their network for decades to come.

“New York’s first responders deserve reliable coverage across the state to help them effectively and efficiently address incidents. And with FirstNet, that’s exactly what is being delivered,” said Amy Kramer, president, AT&T New York. “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. Working with public safety, we’ve made FirstNet nimble, adaptable and ready to scale for even the most severe situations as we’re seeing currently with COVID-19.”

“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 New York’s public safety community to understand their needs for the network. And these network enhancements are a prime example of how that input and feedback is becoming reality. We look forward to supporting New York 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, this new infrastructure 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.

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

Fine Print

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.

Available only to FirstNet first responder public safety entities for Primary Agency Paid User lines of service. Requires a new FirstNet Mobile - Unlimited for Smartphone line or eligible upgrade on a two-year service agreement or AT&T installment 30-month agreement. For two-year agreement, upgrade your smartphone with a new eligible smartphone every two years at no additional cost for as long as your service plan is in effect and in good standing. Pay $.99 for eligible smartphone at purchase, credited back within three billing cycles. Upgrade requires new two-year agreement. For AT&T Installment 30-month agreement, upgrade your smartphone with a new eligible smartphone every time you satisfy your current AT&T Installment agreement and sign a new one for no additional cost for as long as your service plan is in effect and in good standing. For both plans, tax on full discount price (two-year agreement) or full retail price (AT&T Installment agreement) due at sale. Activation and other fees, taxes, charges and restrictions apply. See firstnet.com/agencyoffers for offer details.

About the First Responder Network Authority: The First Responder Network Authority (FirstNet Authority) is an independent authority within the U.S. Department of Commerce. Chartered in 2012, its mission is to ensure the building, deployment, and operation of the nationwide, broadband network that equips first responders to save lives and protect U.S. communities.