FirstNet, Built with AT&T has outlined a connectivity plan to support first responders and public safety officials during the Super Bowl in the Bay Area.
In a statement, Scott Agnew, President – FirstNet, AT&T said the planning has involved more than a year of coordination with the City of San Jose, the San Jose Police Department and the San Jose Fire Department, alongside other federal, state and local agencies.
The company said the Bay Area already has Band 14 coverage intended to provide dedicated public safety connectivity when needed.
It said its FirstNet Response Operations Group (ROG) will be on scene at the stadium and positioned inside Emergency Operations Centers (EOCs) in the Santa Clara and San Francisco areas.
Deployable assets and emergency operations support
FirstNet said the FirstNet ROG and the AT&T Network Disaster Recovery (NDR) team have multiple portable cell sites powered on and ready from a dedicated FirstNet fleet, including SatCOLTs, Response Communications Vehicles (RCVs), Compact Rapid Deployables (CRDs) and other deployable solutions.
It said it has also drawn on the AT&T commercial fleet, including LEO Cell Trailers (LCTs), described as designed to deliver temporary cell service in harsh environments, positioned to support public safety on FirstNet in the Bay Area if needed.
A LEO Cell Trailer (LCT) was shown deployed to support public safety on FirstNet near the stadium.
San Jose Mayor Matt Mahan said: “San Jose was the first city in the country to fully adopt FirstNet because we believe in equipping our first responders with the best technology to keep our community safe.
“Reliable communication from AT&T is helping thousands of fans have a safe experience at the Big Game in the Capital of Silicon Valley.”
FirstNet said it has a fleet of more than 190 deployable assets dedicated for public safety, in addition to more than 750 AT&T commercial assets nationwide.
AT&T has detailed how its network, weather and disaster recovery teams prepare for winter storms, highlighting investment in forecasting, response equipment and FirstNet support as hurricane season ends and colder weather brings a different pattern of hazards.
The company said these preparations are aimed at keeping its network operating for customers during winter events while protecting staff and infrastructure.
The approach combines day-to-day monitoring with specific actions before, during and after major winter weather.
Weather operations centre informs daily planning
According to AT&T, the AT&T Weather Operations Center (AWOC) of meteorologists is central to its seasonal planning.
AWOC uses advanced weather modelling tools to provide targeted forecasts and impact assessments for internal teams across the business.
This information is used to plan how and where the network might be affected by snow, ice or other winter conditions.
The company said the forecasts help mitigate risk to network infrastructure, field assets and employees in routine operations and in major storms.
Operational teams use AWOC guidance in a similar way to consumer weather checks, but with a focus on deployment, access and safety decisions.
Network disaster recovery assets adapted for winter
AT&T stated that its Network Disaster Recovery (NDR) programme is designed to support restoration when winter weather disrupts service.
The company has invested more than $1 billion in this programme since 1992, describing it as the industry’s largest disaster recovery capability.
The NDR fleet includes more than 750 pieces of specialised response equipment that can be deployed where needed after storms.
For winter, AT&T adds equipment such as bulldozers and snowcats to help access affected sites in snow and ice.
It also moves dedicated winter utility terrain vehicles with tracks into regions where they may be needed.
Snow chains are placed on disaster recovery vehicles so they can travel in poor road conditions.
Satellite dishes and panels are fitted with heating elements so that snow and ice do not build up on critical surfaces.
The company said it prepares generators for freezing conditions by using anti-gel additives in fuel and allowing engines to warm up before connection.
Preparedness actions ahead of winter storms
When forecasts indicate a winter storm is approaching, AT&T undertakes a series of operational checks and deployments.
The company said it boosts network capacity to handle increased call volumes during periods of disruption.
Backup batteries at cell sites are tested so that mobile coverage can continue if mains power is interrupted.
Portable generators are staged in advance and existing fixed generators are maintained to support extended use.
Emergency response and network recovery equipment is positioned at strategic locations so it can be moved quickly once conditions allow.
FirstNet group supports public safety response
America’s Public Safety Network, FirstNet, built with AT&T, is described by the company as a dedicated programme for first responders and essential services rather than a standard commercial service.
Within this programme, the FirstNet Response Operations Group (ROG) is led by former first responders who coordinate backup connectivity support.
AT&T reported that the group has more than 190 deployable assets that can provide additional connectivity when emergency services need it.
These assets can be requested to support incident response where existing infrastructure is damaged or overloaded by demand.
The company said this capability is available alongside wider NDR resources during severe winter weather events.
Continuous monitoring to maintain connectivity in storms
AT&T stated that its teams monitor conditions year-round, carry out preventive maintenance and deploy resources rapidly when hazards develop.
The company aims to keep the network robust and reliable regardless of weather conditions through this combined approach.
It said that the overall goal is to keep customers connected when winter storms and other severe events occur.
Dependence on resilient communications during winter incidents
Fire and rescue chiefs and senior officers using FirstNet can plan winter operations on the basis that AT&T maintains a dedicated disaster recovery and backup connectivity capability for first responders.
Emergency and disaster response managers can factor the availability of more than 190 FirstNet ROG assets and over 750 wider NDR units into incident communications planning for winter storms.
Facility managers across industrial, commercial and public sectors that rely on AT&T services may view the winterisation of generators, satellite links and access vehicles as part of their wider business continuity assumptions.
Risk assessors and resilience planners can align their scenarios with the company’s description of year-round monitoring, pre-staging of generators and increases in network capacity ahead of storms.
Where emergency plans reference mobile networks or specific carriers, understanding these measures can help ensure that assumptions about redundancy, coverage and recovery timeframes match the provider’s stated capabilities.
The focus on keeping customers connected during winter events is directly relevant to organisations that depend on uninterrupted communications for safety-critical operations.
1,000 new FirstNet cell sites launched by AT&T to support emergency services
AT&T has announced the launch of 1,000 new cell sites using Band 14 spectrum to expand FirstNet coverage across the United States.
According to AT&T, these sites form part of a 10-year investment project with the FirstNet Authority focused on strengthening the public safety network.
The new infrastructure extends coverage across 46 states and the District of Columbia, with over two-thirds targeting rural and tribal areas.
The company explained that these locations were prioritised to enhance communications for emergency services at facilities such as fire stations, police departments, hospitals and courthouses.
AT&T stated that the sites were delivered nine months ahead of schedule.
The FirstNet Authority added that these sites are part of a continued effort to support a dedicated public safety network, distinct from commercial systems.
Expansion targets locations identified by public safety agencies
The FirstNet Authority reported that new purpose-built sites are being developed in areas identified by first responders, including tribal and remote regions.
Executive Director and CEO of the FirstNet Authority Joe Wassel said: “These new sites are another major step forward in providing the network that public safety deserves.”
He added: “We have worked closely with first responders to ensure the network delivers reliable, resilient coverage wherever their mission takes them.”
According to the FirstNet Authority, improving rural coverage remains a priority as required by US Congress.
It stated that FirstNet was developed in consultation with public safety and in partnership with rural network operators to extend reach during the initial build phase.
FirstNet now serves nearly 30,000 agencies and organisations
AT&T reported that FirstNet now supports communications for almost 30,000 public safety agencies and organisations across the country.
The company said FirstNet offers priority access and preemption across both 5G and 4G networks.
AT&T added that the MegaRange feature can provide signal strength up to six times higher than other carriers.
Sergeant Cruz Correa of the California Highway Patrol said: “Whether we are responding to rural areas or urban incidents like the recent LA fires, FirstNet is our partner in emergency response.”
He continued: “With a comprehensive network, innovative technology, and critical deployable assets, FirstNet is built with our diverse needs in mind, giving us peace of mind that we can stay connected.”
Engagement efforts continue to inform future FirstNet development
According to the FirstNet Authority, it engaged with more than 53,000 first responders and stakeholders throughout 2024 to inform network planning.
The organisation said these interactions are part of a strategy to identify areas that need enhanced coverage through future builds.
Scott Agnew, president of FirstNet at AT&T, said: “Whether in major cities like Boston or rural areas like Butler, Pa., first responders require reliable communication that is always protected in any emergency.”
He added: “An entire dedicated program of ‘firsts,’ FirstNet is setting the bar for public safety communications so this vital community stays at the forefront of innovative, lifesaving technologies.”
AT&T expands FirstNet coverage to rural and tribal public safety sites: Summary
AT&T has launched 1,000 new cell sites using Band 14 spectrum to expand FirstNet.
The sites were delivered nine months ahead of schedule.
They cover 46 US states and the District of Columbia.
Over two-thirds of the sites are located in rural and tribal areas.
The FirstNet Authority partnered with AT&T on the 10-year initiative.
The programme aims to increase public safety communications coverage.
FirstNet now serves nearly 30,000 agencies and organisations.
Signal strength is enhanced through FirstNet MegaRange.
The FirstNet Authority reported over 1,400 public safety engagements in 2024.
More purpose-built sites are in development.
Congress has mandated rural coverage as part of the programme.
First responders are involved in identifying areas for future expansion.
The FirstNet Authority and AT&T said the network is designed specifically for emergency services.
Quotes from public safety leaders confirm the role of FirstNet in incident response.
AT&T and the FirstNet Authority continue to collaborate on future infrastructure planning.