FirstNet establishes Maryland cell site

Cecil County, Maryland officials said first responders there are recipients of a new, purpose-built FirstNet cell site – providing a boost in wireless communications.

“This is great news for Earleville, Cecil County, and the surrounding areas,” Maryland State Sen. Steve Hershey (R-Dist. 36) said. “This new infrastructure will help advance public safety through our first responders and improve connectivity for area residents, businesses, and visitors. It is essential we improve broadband and cellular service in rural Maryland and throughout the Eastern Shore. I’m pleased to see this expansion of services take place.”

The Earleville site is slated to provide coverage along the Elk River, officials said, noting the endeavor would also serve White Crystal Beach, West View Shores, and Hack Point communities, as well as the Cecil County Public Works Department.

“Maryland’s first responders deserve fast, reliable coverage across the state to help them effectively and efficiently address incidents,” Denis Dunn, president, AT&T Maryland, said. “And with FirstNet, that’s exactly what they’re getting. 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.”

Authorities said the site was built using Band 14 spectrum, in addition to the AT&T commercial spectrum, noting Band 14 is a nationwide, high-quality spectrum set aside by the government specifically for FirstNet.