Good news to first responders using AT&T’s FirstNet network. Starting this month, you will get access to AT&T’s 5G millimeter wave (mmWave) network, or 5G+.
Once this becomes available, first responders situated in 38 cities and over 20 venues will have access to AT&T’s higher 5G speed compared to its low-band spectrum. These users will also continue to get always-on priority and preemption across LTE - Band 14 spectrum, along with the network’s commercial LTE spectrum bands.
The mmWave spectrum first launched to first responders based in Houston. This is because there were plenty of beta users based in this city. Shortly after the testing stage, the network will be rolling out to first responders in 38 cities.
In addition to making this 5G+ available to first responders, AT&T says that it will be rolling out security upgrades on every cell tower across the country. The first two to get an upgrade this month is Houston and Cleveland. The network provider believes they will achieve nationwide completion by the first quarter of 2022.
First responders who want to use AT&T’s 5G+ network will require a compatible smartphone, such as the Samsung Galaxy Note 5G Ultra or the Netgear Nighthawk 5G mobile hotspot device. The 5G service is available at no extra cost.
