New FirstNet Cell Site Launches in Goshen to Support Public Safety

Goshen’s first responders are getting a major boost in their wireless communications with the addition of a new, purpose-built cell site. The site – located in Northwestern Connecticut – is part of the FirstNet network expansion taking place in Connecticut which is bringing increased coverage, capacity and capability to first responders across the state. Plus, the new FirstNet site will give Goshen’s first responders access to the fastest overall network experience.¹

FirstNet is the nationwide, wireless communications platform dedicated to America’s first responders and public safety community. Mandated by Congress, it’s designed to strengthen and modernize public safety communications, helping first responders connect to the critical information they need – every day and in every emergency.

FirstNet is built with AT&T in a public-private partnership with the First Responder Network Authority (FirstNet Authority) – an independent agency within the federal government.

To ensure AT&T and the FirstNet Authority are putting coverage and capacity where first responders need it most, the FirstNet build is being done with direct feedback from state, local and public safety officials.

• State Rep. Jay Case (R-Winsted) said, “This technology and service brings us to a whole new level of public safety communication. I am pleased to see the FirstNet Authority and AT&T staying true to their promise of expanding coverage in our area with this new site. It will be a great benefit to our community knowing that our first responders have access to this type of public safety network.”
• State Sen. Craig Miner (R-Litchfield) said, “Reliable and consistent communications are imperative for quality public safety and FirstNet has given us just that. Our community suffered from logjams at certain times of day, such as when school got out, but FirstNet capabilities will provide clear lines of communication for our first responders and emergency personnel regardless of what’s going on around town.”
• Bob Valentine, First Selectman, Town of Goshen said: “I am pleased to see the FirstNet Authority and AT&T expanded coverage for our area. Having this new technology available will be an asset to our volunteer first responders.”

This is the first newly built FirstNet site to be publicly announced in Connecticut following the Governor’s decision to advance its public safety broadband communications with FirstNet. The site is constructed using Band 14 spectrum as well as AT&T commercial spectrum bands. Band 14 is nationwide, high-quality spectrum set aside by the government specifically for FirstNet. We look 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. Band 14 has also been added on existing sites across Connecticut.

“FirstNet is a dedicated broadband platform for public safety, by public safety,” said FirstNet Authority CEO Edward Parkinson. “We worked hand-in-hand with Connecticut’s public safety community to understand their needs for the network. And this cell site is a prime example of how that input and feedback is becoming reality. We look forward to supporting Goshen’s first responders’ use of FirstNet to help them save lives and protect communities.”

In addition to further elevating public safety’s connected experience in support of their emergency response, the new site will also help improve the overall coverage experience for AT&T wireless customers in the area. Residents, visitors and businesses can take advantage of the AT&T spectrum bands, as well as Band 14 when additional capacity is available.

"Connecticut’s first responders deserve reliable coverage across the state."

John Emra - President, AT&T Connecticut

“Connecticut’s first responders deserve reliable coverage across the state to help them effectively and efficiently address incidents. And with FirstNet, that’s exactly what they’re getting,” said John Emra, President AT&T Connecticut. “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.”

For more about the value FirstNet is bringing to public safety, check out FirstNet.com.

¹Based on AT&T analysis of Ookla® Speedtest Intelligence® data median download speeds for Q1 2020. Ookla trademarks used under license and reprinted with permission.