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AT&T Invests Nearly $5.5 Billion Over Three-Year Period to Keep Georgia Connected

Staff Report

Thursday, July 16th, 2020

AT&T is proud to have the nation’s best and also fastest wireless 12 network, as well as the largest network in North America. From 2017-2019, we invested nearly $5.5 billion in our wireless and wireline networks in Georgia 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 our customers with family, friends and colleagues – no matter the distance. It’s also improved critical communications services for Georgia’s first responders using the FirstNet network.

“As we work to successfully navigate the effects of the global pandemic, broadband access is vital,” said Governor Brian Kemp. “AT&T’s significant investment in Georgia continues to connect more and more students, families and businesses in communities across our state – at a time when it is needed most.”

Today, our 4G LTE network covers more than 330 million people. That’s more than 2.61 million square miles and over 99% of all Americans.

We also expanded access to high-speed internet in Georgia by building 1.2 million additional fiber connections in Atlanta, Augusta, Columbus, Macon and Savannah.

“We know our continued investment in Georgia is vital to connections – from front line heroes amid the pandemic to students for educational opportunities to friends, family and loved ones on a daily basis,” said Venessa Harrison, president, AT&T Georgia. “At AT&T, we are committed to keeping you connected when and where you need it most. We show up for our customers and our communities. That’s what we do. It’s who we are.”

More details about our wireless coverage in Georgia, 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. Georgia customers are already experiencing the power of 5G in cities like Albany, Athens and Macon, and we’re committed to bringing next-generation 5G coverage to more communities across the state as we build toward nationwide coverage this year.

We deliver 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 our AT&T 5G site.

    FirstNet: Transforming Public Safety Communications

    We’re 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 we take our responsibility to deliver FirstNet seriously.

    Building upon our current and planned investments in Georgia, we continue to extend the reach, and increase the coverage, capacity and capabilities of the FirstNet network:

  • Purpose-built network enhancements – Across Georgia, we boosted the network with high-quality Band 14 spectrum in communities such as Atlanta, Savannah, Macon, Athens, Columbus and Albany. 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. In addition, since beginning the FirstNet network expansion, we launched new FirstNet cell sites in Quitman County.

  • Public safety-specific advanced capabilities – FirstNet is providing Georgia 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 – Georgia agencies on FirstNet also have 24/7 access to a nationwide fleet of 76 deployable network assets. 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 – We have a responsibility to public safety unlike any other wireless carrier. That’s why Georgia agencies spanning law have affordable access to their network.

This means first responders across agencies of all sizes will The FirstNet network expansion across Georgia 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. Go here for more FirstNet news. Or check out FirstNet.com to learn more about the program.

Our commitment to Georgia

In addition to the programs mentioned above, AT&T’s commitment to Georgia includes programs like:

• The Connect America Fund – Through our participation in the FCC’s Connect America Fund universal service program, we have been helping to meet the connectivity needs of customers in largely rural areas and to expand the opportunities enabled by internet access. By the end of 2019, we offered high-speed internet access to over 53,900 locations across Georgia in mostly rural areas through technologies like Fixed Wireless Internet.

This is all made possible by our talented, dedicated AT&T team members who are committed to being there and are the driving force behind our efforts to expand wireless connectivity both in Georgia and across the country. That’s why we believe in investing in our employees and workforce. In 2019, Fortune and Great Place to Work named us one of the Best Big Companies to Work For. enforcement, fire, EMS, healthcare, hospital emergency departments, emergency management and 911 operations on FirstNet can stay up-to-date with smartphones for