AT&T : FirstNet Cell Site Launches in Fort Benton, Mont. to Support Public Safety

New FirstNet Cell Site Launches in Fort Benton to Support Public Safety

New Infrastructure Will Also Improve Connectivity for Area Visitors

First responders are getting a major boost in their wireless communications with the addition of a new, purpose-built FirstNet cell site near Fort Benton, Montana.

The new FirstNet infrastructure will improve coverage on Highway 87 between Havre and Helena, elevating public safety for vehicles traveling through the area. This increase of connectivity will improve the ability for first responders to reliably communicate in the event of an emergency, saving precious time when it matters most. This new infrastructure is a part of the FirstNet network expansion taking place across the state, bringing increased coverage, capacity and capabilities for public safety.

'The new FirstNet cell site near Fort Benton is an ideal location to raise safety standards on this stretch of Highway 87,' said Tara Thue, president, AT&T Mountain West States. 'First responders and AT&T customers traveling in the area can both benefit from higher speeds and an enhanced ability to communicate.'

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 First Responder Network Authority (FirstNet Authority) - an independent agency within the federal government.

FirstNet provides real, dedicated mobile broadband when needed with always-on priority and preemption for first responders. This helps Montana's first responders connect to the critical information they need - every day and in every emergency. Building upon AT&T's current and planned investments in Montana, we're actively extending the reach of FirstNet to give agencies large and small the reliable, unthrottled connectivity and modern communications tools they need.

'FirstNet is a dedicated broadband platform for public safety, by public safety,' said FirstNet Authority CEO Edward Parkinson. 'We worked hand-in-hand with Montana'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 the Helena and Havre area 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.

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. Learn more at FirstNet.gov/mediakit and follow the FirstNet Authority (@FirstNetGov) on Facebook and Twitter for updates.

*About AT&T Communications

We help family, friends and neighbors connect in meaningful ways every day. From the first phone call 140+ years ago to mobile video streaming, we @ATT innovate to improve lives. AT&T Communications is part of AT&T Inc. (NYSE:T). For more information, please visit us at att.com.

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