AT&T Celebrates New Tower, FirstNet With Chamber Ribbon Cutting

Representatives from AT&T, Edmonson County Chamber of Commerce, local officials and EMS personnel cut the ceremonial ribbon for today's event.

Darren Doyle, story:
AT&T celebrated a ribbon cutting today in Edmonson County, not only to highlight their working relationship with Edmonson EMS as a FirstNet customer, but also a new cell tower that has been constructed in the northern part of the county.

FirstNet is a network powered by AT&T that is exclusively for first responders and the new tower construction not only strengthens that network, but also AT&T customers in the area.

The event was held at Edmonson EMS were Michael Sanders, FirstNet Public Sector Consultant, described the importance of FirstNet.

"Simply put, FirstNet is the first cell phone network built specifically for first responders in the United States," he said. "AT&T has been contracted for a 25-year period to build, maintain, and support the network for the first responder community."

EMS Director Keith Sanders said FirstNet makes a big difference here at home by being able to connect a patient's vitals directly to the hospital, which saves valuable steps when time is needed most.

In addition to FirstNet, AT&T expanded its 5G network in Edmonson County, giving residents, businesses, and visitors a boost in their wireless connectivity.

This new site provides new coverage in Brownsville, west along State Route 655 toward Huff and north along State Route 259 to Lindseyville, as well as additional capacity in Lindseyville.

“As people rely on their smartphones to stay in touch with friends and family, connect to the Internet, and conduct business, a robust wireless network is vital,” said Kentucky state Rep. Michael Meredith. “In fact, it has an incredible impact on folks living in rural areas, providing a great benefit to both public safety and our overall quality of life. Projects like this are why I continually support investments that strengthen and expand connections for the community and first responders alike.”

In a released statement, AT&T also discussed other advantages to their investments in Edmonson County.

"These enhancements also bring Band 14 spectrum to the area. Band 14 is nationwide, highquality spectrum set aside by the government specifically for FirstNet and is essentially public safety’s VIP lane. In an emergency, this band – or lane – can be cleared and locked just for FirstNet subscribers. When not in use by FirstNet subscribers, AT&T customers can enjoy Band 14’s added coverage and capacity," the statement said.

“We know how important it is for our customers to stay connected,” said Amanda Lich, Regional Director of External Affairs, AT&T Kentucky. “And AT&T 5G brings fast, reliable and secure connectivity to more than 290 million people in over 24,000 cities and towns nationwide. This helps Kentucky residents and businesses get the best possible experience over the AT&T network wherever they live, work and play.”

Lich thanked everyone for attending today's event, including Edmonson County Judge/Executive Scott Lindsey, District 3 Magistrate T.J. Massey, and Rep. Meredith, in addition to Chamber personnel and the first responders at Edmonson EMS.

AT&T is a Bronze Partner of the Edmonson County Chamber of Commerce.