AT&T Invests Nearly $30 Million Over Three-Year Period to Keep Joplin Connected

(Joplin, MO) – AT&T is proud to have the nation’s best and also fastest wireless network, as well as the largest network in North America. From 2017-2019, we invested more than nearly $30 million in our wireless and wireline networks in Joplin 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 Joplin’s first responders using the FirstNet network.

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.

“Connectivity in Missouri has never been more important for families, small businesses, and our first responder community,” said Governor Mike Parson. “AT&T’s ongoing investment in communications infrastructure in our state strengthens our resilience and delivers opportunities in education, healthcare, and economic development.”

“Joplin is a great place to invest and we are pleased that AT&T continues to grow and upgrade its networks here,” said Toby Teeter, President of the Joplin Area Chamber of Commerce. “This type of investment strengthens our community and creates an environment for economic growth.”

More details about our wireless coverage in Joplin, 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. Local customers are already experiencing the power of 5G in Joplin, and we’re committed to bringing next-generation 5G coverage to more communities across Missouri as we build toward nationwide coverage this year. 5G over sub-6 spectrum is expect to enable faster responses over broader distances on new devices and is now available in 355 markets.

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 Joplin, we continue to extend the reach, and increase the coverage, capacity, and capabilities of the FirstNet network:

• Purpose-built network enhancements – We’ve boosted the network with high-quality Band 14 spectrum across Joplin. 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.
• Public safety-specific advanced capabilities – FirstNet is providing Joplin 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 network and bring its subscribers the unthrottled connectivity they need.
• Unparalleled emergency support – Joplin agencies on FirstNet also have 24/7 access to a nationwide fleet of 76 deployable network assets at no additional charge. 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 Joplin agencies spanning law enforcement, fire, EMS, healthcare, hospital emergency departments, emergency management, and 911 operations on FirstNet can stay up-to-date with smartphones for life at no additional cost. This means first responders across agencies of all sizes will have affordable access to their network.

The FirstNet network expansion in Joplin 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.

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 Joplin 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.

 

Reference:

Charles Bassett, Lead Public Relations Manager
AT&T
214.649.6973
Charles.bassett@att.com