From 2017-2019, AT&T invested more than $60 million in our wireless and wireline networks in Lafayette to expand coverage and improve connectivity in more communities.
LAFAYETTE, La., – From 2017-2019, AT&T invested more than $60 million in our wireless and wireline networks in Lafayette 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 Lafayette’s first responders using the FirstNet network.
“In the legislature, my colleagues and I work each and every year to ensure that Louisiana is open to investment and that businesses can grow and thrive here,” said Page Cortez, State Senate President. “As we see these significant investments being made year after year by the private sector, it shows that smart policies can help us close the limited, remaining connectivity gaps in the state.”
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.
“This kind of sustained, private sector investment is critical to the success of our community,” said Troy Wayman, CEO, One Acadiana. “Especially with the increased needs for connectivity as a result of the impact of the pandemic, AT&T’s continuing investments are helping ensure that our community’s infrastructure is robust and accessible.”
We also expanded access to high-speed internet in Lafayette by building more than 30,000 additional fiber connections.
“AT&T’s investment highlights our commitment to establishing connectivity throughout Lafayette,” said Levar Greenhouse, regional director, AT&T Louisiana. “By expanding coverage and boosting performance, AT&T is working to grow the local economy and enhance the lives of Lafayette’s residents.”
More details about our wireless coverage in Lafayette, 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.
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 Louisiana, 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 Louisiana. 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 Louisiana 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 – Louisiana 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 Louisiana 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.6 This means first responders across agencies of all sizes will have affordable access to their network.
The FirstNet network expansion in Louisiana 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 Louisiana 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.