DETROIT, JUNE 30, 2020 – AT&T* is proud to have the nation’s best and also fastest wireless network,1 as well as the largest network in North America.2 From 2017-2019, AT&T invested more than $700 million in its wireless and wireline networks in Detroit to expand coverage and improve connectivity in more communities.
That investment has increased reliability, coverage and overall performance for residents and businesses, which is essential for connecting AT&T customers with family, friends and colleagues – no matter the distance. It’s also improved critical communications services for Detroit’s first responders using the FirstNet network.
“AT&T’s investment highlights our commitment to establishing connectivity throughout Detroit,” said David Lewis, President, AT&T Michigan. “By expanding coverage and boosting performance, AT&T is working to grow the local economy and enhance the lives of Detroit’s residents.”
Today, AT&T’s 4G LTE network covers more than 330 million people.3 That’s more than 2.61 million square miles and over 99% of all Americans.4 AT&T also expanded access to high-speed internet in Detroit by building more than 330,000 additional fiber connections.
“AT&T’s efforts to strengthen its network in Detroit over the last three years has made a huge difference for Detroiters,” said State Senator Sylvia Santana (D-Detroit). “Connectivity and reliability are critical for businesses and families alike, especially as so many Detroiters rely on the internet to work and learn at home during the pandemic.”
More details about AT&T’s wireless coverage in Detroit, and anywhere in the U.S., can be found on the AT&T Coverage Viewer. For updates on the AT&T wireless network, please visit the AT&T network news page.
Building the Future of Wireless Connectivity, Today
5G is the future of wireless technology and is poised to jumpstart the next wave of unforeseen mobile innovation. Local customers are already experiencing the power of 5G in Detroit, and AT&T is committed to bringing next-generation 5G coverage to more communities across Michigan while building toward nationwide coverage this year.
AT&T delivers the 5G experience to both consumers and businesses by deploying two types of 5G technology:
- 5G over sub-6 spectrum is expected to enable faster responses over broader distances on new devices and is now available in 355 markets.
- 5G+ delivers ultra-fast speeds and response times, capable of 1+ Gbps, using 5G technology and new millimeter wave spectrum, unlocking unprecedented experiences in iconic destinations and key venues. It’s ideal for businesses, universities, hospitals and sports venues and is currently deployed in parts of 35 cities.
To learn more about AT&T 5G, visit AT&T’s 5G site.
FirstNet: Transforming Public Safety Communications
AT&T is honored to work with the First Responder Network Authority (FirstNet Authority) to build and manage FirstNet – the only nationwide, high-speed broadband communications platform dedicated to and purpose-built for America’s first responders and the extended public safety community. And AT&T takes the responsibility to deliver FirstNet seriously.
Building upon its current and planned investments in Detroit, AT&T continues to extend the reach, and increase the coverage, capacity and capabilities of the FirstNet network:
- Purpose-built network enhancements – AT&T has boosted the network with high-quality Band 14 spectrum across Detroit. Band 14 is nationwide, high-quality spectrum set aside by the government specifically for FirstNet. AT&T looks at Band 14 as public safety’s VIP lane: in an emergency, this band – or lane – can be cleared and locked just for FirstNet subscribers. In addition, since beginning the FirstNet network expansion, AT&T has launched new FirstNet cell sites in Allegan, Chippewa, Iron and Van Buren counties.
- Public safety-specific advanced capabilities – FirstNet is providing Detroit public safety with dedicated access when they need it, as well as an entire communication ecosystem with unique benefits like mission-centric devices, certified applications, always-on priority and preemption and high-quality Band 14 spectrum. These advanced capabilities enable FirstNet to perform faster than any commercial network5 and bring its subscribers the unthrottled connectivity they need.
· Unparalleled emergency support – Detroit agencies on FirstNet also have 24/7 access to a nationwide fleet of 76 deployable network assets at no additional charge. These assets can either be deployed for planned events or called upon in emergencies at no additional charge to help first responders stay connected and operate faster, safer and more effectively when lives are on the line. FirstNet Response Operations – led by a group of former first responders – guides the deployment of the FirstNet deployable assets based on the needs of public safety.
· Free Smartphones for Life for Public Safety Agencies – AT&T has a responsibility to public safety unlike any other wireless carrier. That’s why Detroit agencies spanning law enforcement, fire, EMS, healthcare, hospital emergency departments, emergency management and 911 operations on FirstNet can stay up-to-date with smartphones for life at no additional cost.6 This means first responders across agencies of all sizes will have affordable access to their network.
The FirstNet network expansion in Detroit is being done with direct feedback from state and public safety officials. This helps ensure FirstNet meets the short- and long-term needs of the public safety community.
Check out FirstNet.com to learn more about the program.
This is all made possible by AT&T’s talented, dedicated team members who are committed to being there and are the driving force behind our efforts to expand wireless connectivity both in Detroit and across the country. That’s why AT&T believes in investing in its employees and workforce. In 2019, Fortune and Great Place to Worknamed AT&T one of the Best Big Companies to Work For.
1 Best Network based on 2019 GWS OneScore. Fastest based on analysis by Ookla® of Speedtest Intelligence® data median download speeds for Q1 2020. Ookla trademarks used under license and reprinted with permission.
2 Based on comparison of carrier owned & operated networks. No AT&T on-net coverage in select countries, including Canada.
3 Coverage includes non-AT&T network areas covered by roaming agreements with third parties.
4 Based on overall coverage in U.S. licensed areas. Coverage not available everywhere. AT&T’s 4G LTE coverage is not equivalent to its overall network coverage.
5 Based on AT&T analysis of Ookla® of Speedtest Intelligence® data median download speeds for Q1 2020. Ookla trademarks used under license and reprinted with permission.
6 Available only to FirstNet first responder public safety entities for Primary Agency Paid User lines of service. Requires a new FirstNet Mobile – Unlimited for Smartphone line or eligible upgrade on a two-year service agreement or AT&T installment 30-month agreement. For two-year agreement, upgrade your smartphone with a new eligible smartphone every two years at no additional cost for as long as your service plan is in effect and in good standing. Pay $.99 for eligible smartphone at purchase, credited back within three billing cycles. Upgrade requires new two-year agreement. For AT&T Installment 30-month agreement, upgrade your smartphone with a new eligible smartphone every time you satisfy your current AT&T Installment agreement and sign a new one for no additional cost for as long as your service plan is in effect and in good standing. For both plans, tax on full discount price (two-year agreement) or full retail price (AT&T Installment agreement) due at sale. Activation and other fees, taxes, charges and restrictions apply. See firstnet.com/agencyoffers for offer details.
*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 innovate to improve lives. We have the nation’s fastest wireless network.** And according to America’s biggest test, we have the nation’s best wireless network.*** We’re building FirstNet just for first responders and creating next-generation mobile 5G. With a range of TV and video products, we deliver entertainment people love to talk about. Our smart, highly secure solutions serve nearly 3 million global businesses – nearly all of the Fortune 1000. And worldwide, our spirit of service drives employees to give back to their communities.
AT&T Communications is part of AT&T Inc. (NYSE:T). Learn more at att.com/CommunicationsNews.
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© 2020 AT&T Intellectual Property. All rights reserved. AT&T, the Globe logo and other marks are trademarks and service marks of AT&T Intellectual Property and/or AT&T affiliated companies. All other marks contained herein are the property of their respective owners.
**Based on analysis by Ookla® of Speedtest Intelligence® data median download speeds for Q1 2020. Ookla trademarks used under license and reprinted with permission.
***GWS OneScore, September 2019.
FirstNet® and the FirstNet service logo are the intellectual property of the First Responder Network Authority.
