CLARION CO., Pa. — AT&T customers and FirstNet subscribers in Blair, Clarion, Indiana, and Westmoreland Counties in western Pennsylvania recently got another boost in wireless connectivity.

AT&T has added new cell sites to enhance the region’s mobile broadband coverage and help give residents and first responders on FirstNet faster, more reliable wireless service.

In Clarion County, the new site will improve coverage and capacity in Rimersburg and along State Routes 68 and 861.

Likewise, in Blair County, this new cell site will improve coverage and capacity in downtown Altoona along 17th Street and 6th Avenue. In Indiana County, it will improve coverage and capacity in Cherry Tree and along U.S. Route 219 and State Route 580. In Westmoreland County, it will improve coverage and capacity in Lynnwood-Pricedale and along State Route 201 and Interstate 70.

These enhancements also bring Band 14 spectrum to the area. Band 14 is a nationwide, high-quality spectrum set aside by the government specifically for FirstNet. In an emergency, this band – or lane – can be cleared and locked just for FirstNet subscribers. When not in use by FirstNet subscribers, AT&T customers can enjoy Band 14’s added coverage and capacity.

FirstNet is the only nationwide, high-speed broadband communications platform dedicated to and purpose-built for America’s first responders and the extended public safety community. It is built with AT&T in a public-private partnership with the federal government.

The FirstNet network is designed to provide public safety with truly dedicated coverage and capacity when they need it, unique benefits like always-on priority and preemption, and a high-quality Band 14 spectrum. These advanced capabilities help fire, EMS, and law enforcement save lives and protect communities.