Thursday, AT&T and the First Responder Network Authority (FirstNet Authority) joined Fort Benning leaders, first responders, public safety officials and community leaders at Fort Benning to highlight how FirstNet® Built with AT&T – the only network built with and for America’s first responders – is delivering unparalleled coverage, security and reliable connectivity for military personnel and public safety. 

This new wireless infrastructure was announced today during a special event at Fort Benning with remarks from Fort Benning Garrison Commander Colonel Jerel “J.D.” Evans, FirstNet Authority Executive Director and CEO Michael Cannon and AT&T Georgia President Riley Blount.

The new site at Fort Benning boosts coverage at the installation east of Highway 280, including the McKenna MOUT heliport and the Ranger training area. Another site at Camp Merrill in Dahlonega, Georgia, improves coverage for the majority of the installation.

“At Fort Benning, getting the mission done really depends on having strong support systems in place across the installation, especially reliable communications,” said Fort Benning Garrison Commander Colonel Jerel “J.D.” Evans. “This new FirstNet cell site will help support public safety operations and improve connectivity for the soldiers, families, civilians, and mission partners who are all part of this community.”

These new cell sites support first responders and the extended public safety community on FirstNet – America’s public safety network. The enhancements include Band 14 spectrum, which is nationwide, high-quality spectrum set aside by the government specifically for FirstNet. We look at Band 14 as public safety’s VIP lane, delivering dedicated connectivity when needed. 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. FirstNet enables public safety subscribers to communicate with one another easily and quickly during everyday situations, big events and emergencies. It is providing first responders with truly dedicated coverage and capacity when they need it, unique benefits such as always-on priority and preemption, and nationwide, high-quality Band 14 spectrum. These advanced capabilities help fire, EMS, law enforcement and other public safety entities save lives and protect their communities.

FirstNet was shaped by the vision of Congress and the first responder community following the 9/11 terrorist attacks. AT&T launched the FirstNet network through a public-private partnership with the FirstNet Authority – an independent authority within the federal government. As public safety’s partner helping deliver FirstNet, AT&T has a federal mandate to expand and evolve the network, so public safety stays at the forefront of innovative, lifesaving technologies.

“FirstNet was built for all first responders, especially in complex environments where coordination is critical,” said Michael A. Cannon, FirstNet Authority Executive Director and CEO. “These sites will deliver the reliable communications that military and public safety personnel need to respond to emergencies and keep their communities safe.”

Unique in the industry, public safety has access to a nationwide fleet of over 190 deployable network assets, which are exclusively available to support public safety on FirstNet at no additional cost. The FirstNet Response Operations Group™ (ROG) – led by a team of former first responders – guides the deployment of the FirstNet fleet. In 2025, ROG triaged and deployed more than 2,730 solutions, helping ensure public safety officials remain connected to the critical information they need. Agencies can also purchase, own and operate their own FirstNet deployables to help boost coverage around planned or emergency events.

“At AT&T, supporting our military is a distinct honor, and we are proud to reinforce our commitment through FirstNet and continued investment in modern wireless infrastructure,” said Riley Blount, President, AT&T Georgia. “These new cell sites at Fort Benning and Camp Merrill deliver the reliable connectivity military communities and public safety personnel count on every day — and in the moments that matter most.”

With more than 630 localities in Georgia where first responders and public safety agencies rely on FirstNet, the service is critical to public safety across the state. Significant investments have also recently been made in Georgia to improve and enhance connectivity for first responders subscribed to FirstNet. Today, nearly 2,250 wireless sites across the state have Band 14 spectrum.

From 2020 to 2024, AT&T invested more than $16.9 billion in our wireless and wireline networks in Georgia. These investments boost reliability, coverage, speed and overall performance for residents and their businesses.

Go here to learn more about how AT&T is supporting Georgia. For more about the value FirstNet is bringing to public safety, check out FirstNet.com. 

FirstNet and the FirstNet logo are registered trademarks and service marks of the First Responder Network Authority. All other marks are the property of their respective owners.