FirstNet installs new cell sites in New Hampshire for first responders

FirstNet cell sites have been installed in several locations throughout New Hampshire to improve wireless communications for first responders.

FirstNet is the only nationwide, high-speed broadband communications platform for America’s first responders and the public safety community. It is built with AT&T in a public-private partnership with the First Responder Network Authority – an independent agency within the federal government.

“Throughout New Hampshire, reliable communications is a vital part of the safety and security of our first responders and the people they serve,” New Hampshire Department of Safety Commissioner Robert Quinn said. “FirstNet/AT&T is building a communications platform that will benefit New Hampshire’s public safety first responders, but there is still work to be done. I look forward to FirstNet/AT&T’s ongoing efforts to improve communications across all of New Hampshire.”

New, purpose-built FirstNet cell sites have been built in Grafton, Rockingham, Strafford, Merrimack, Cheshire, and Belknap counties. AT&T has also launched additional new cell sites over the past year in Exeter, Bedford, Alton, Rumney, Boscawen, Concord, Bradford, and Wolfeboro. This effort will significantly expand coverage to many areas of the state with AT&T LTE spectrum as well as Band 14 spectrum. Band 14 is high quality spectrum set aside by the government specifically for FirstNet.

“AT&T is committed to reinforcing and enhancing our New Hampshire network. These uncertain times have highlighted just how important fast, reliable communication tools are to all of us, from students and teachers to doctors and nurses to families and businesses,” Owen Smith, president, AT&T New Hampshire, said. “Through strong collaborations and by utilizing an array of innovative resources, AT&T is working to ensure New Hampshire’s first responders and residents have the best possible coverage now and in the future. Working with public safety and the Governor’s office, we’ve made FirstNet nimble, adaptable, and ready to scale for even the most severe situations as we’re seeing currently with COVID-19. We are grateful to all those involved in helping bring about these important enhancements and those still to come.”

The new FirstNet sites were identified by state and public safety stakeholders as priority locations.