New FirstNet Cell Site Turned on in Dorchester County to Support Public Safety

Dorchester County's first responders are getting another major boost in their wireless communications thanks to the FirstNet network expansion currently underway by AT&T.

FirstNet added a new, purpose-built cell site that boosts coverage around the Neck District Volunteer Fire Company in Cambridge. This new site is giving first responders on FirstNet - America's public safety network - access to always-on, 24-hours-a-day priority and preemption across voice and data.

The new site was announced during a special event that featured national, state, and local officials, including representatives from the federal First Responder Network Authority (FirstNet Authority), local first responders, and officials from AT&T.

Maryland State Delegate Johnny Mautz kicked off the program, which also included Maryland State Senator Adelaide C. Eckardt, Maryland State Delegate Chris Adams, and Mike McKinley, Chief of the Neck District Volunteer Company.

This is the most recent purpose-built site AT&T turned on in Maryland. Last year, the company turned on another purpose-built site in Dorchester County near South Dorchester Elementary School in Church Creek. Plus, these sites aren't the only connectivity enhancements. Dorchester County's public safety community will benefit from by subscribing to FirstNet. A FirstNet Satellite Cell on Light Truck (SatCOLT) was also on display during the event.

This is a large, heavy-duty portable cell site that connects via satellite - not fiber. It's part of the nationwide fleet of 100+ dedicated deployable network assets available solely and exclusively to FirstNet subscribers at no additional charge. Public safety agencies on FirstNet can request the equipment for added support during planned events or emergencies. The deployable network assets provide first responders with similar capabilities and connectivity as a cell tower. That means public safety can stay connected to the information they need, no matter where their mission takes them - allowing first responders to make rescues, communicate and coordinate their emergency response, or aid in recovery, even in the most remote parts of the state.

In Maryland, portable cell sites were deployed in 2018 to support flooding emergencies in Ellicott City as well as in Washington County.