AT&T plans to expand a new type of broadband infrastructure in New Mexico meant specifically for first responders and the public safety community.
The FirstNet platform, which the company bills as "the only nationwide platform that gives first responders entire communication ecosystem of unique benefits," is built as part of a public-private partnership with an agency within the federal government, according to an AT&T release. The platform offers capabilities geared towards public safety, as well as "portable cell sites" that it says can be used for planned events or in emergencies.
“FirstNet is a dedicated broadband platform for public safety, by public safety,” said FirstNet Authority CEO Edward Parkinson in a statement. “We worked hand-in-hand with New Mexico’s public safety community to understand their needs for the network. And these network enhancements are a prime example of how that input and feedback is becoming reality."
The benefits of FirstNet span law enforcement, fire, emergency medical services, health care, hospital emergency departments and emergency management, the release says. Albuquerque, Santa Fe, Farmington, Roswell and Hobbs were some of the markets included in the initial buildout of the platform. The infrastructure will also help improve the coverage experience for AT&T wireless customers, according to the company.
"Working with public safety we’ve made the services we offer in conjunction with FirstNet nimble, adaptable and ready to scale for even the most severe situations as we’re seeing currently with COVID-19,” said Bob Digneo, director of external affairs for AT&T New Mexico, in a statement.
AT&T, based out of Dallas, has repeatedly touted what it says are multi-million dollar investments in New Mexico over the past several years. From 2017 to 2019, the company invested more than $150 million in its wireless network in New Mexico to expand coverage and improve connectivity, according to a July 2020 release.
The company previously said it spent $175 million in New Mexico wireless and wired networks from 2015 to 2017 in an effort to increase reliability, coverage and speed for residents and businesses. In Albuquerque alone, AT&T invested nearly $80 million, according to Business First reporting.
