West Virginia to garner initial FirstNet site

West Virginia’s Preston County will receive a new, purpose-built cell site as part of the state’s FirstNet network expansion, increasing first responders coverage, capacity, and capability.

FirstNet is the nationwide, wireless communications platform dedicated to America’s first responders and Public Safety community, designed to strengthen and modernize Public Safety communications and help first responders connect to critical information they need – every day and in every emergency.

“I am pleased to see FirstNet staying true to its promise of expanding coverage in our area with this new site build,” Preston County Commission President Dave Price said. “As an early adopter of FirstNet, we’ve already experienced the early benefits that this dedicated system is bringing to West Virginia’s first responders.”

Price said the effort is paving the way for new capabilities and innovations in the way the county handles emergencies and serves the community.

Sen. Shelley Moore Capito (R-WV) and the FirstNet Authority recently joined AT&T at the Preston County 911 Center to celebrate the new FirstNet cell site groundbreaking.

“I have long advocated for rural broadband expansion to support our communities and first responders,” Capito said. “This and other sites still in the works will help further extend rural coverage in a way that benefits both public safety and the broader community. When emergencies happen, it is critical that our firefighters, law enforcement officers, paramedics, 911 telecommunicators and emergency managers all have the communications tools they need to achieve their mission—keeping themselves, West Virginians and our communities safe.”