Taking FirstNet connectivity to new heights

Connectivity is going airborne. FirstNet has added 3 Flying Cells on Wings (COWs) to the FirstNet deployable program. Each Flying COW:

• Comprises 2 tethered drones and a trailer for transport, equipped with a satellite dish and fiber connections
• Is capable of withstanding light rain and wind speeds of up to 25 miles per hour.
• Can reach heights of up to 400 feet, making it ideal for situations like wildfires and mountain rescue missions where the terrain may have previously made it difficult to maintain connectivity.
• Is set to be outfitted with Band 14 in the second half of 2019.

With access to a nationwide fleet of deployable network assets, which now include the Flying COWs, we can help equip FirstNet subscribers in the U.S. with the unthrottled connectivity they need, no matter the emergency. Like the other 72 assets, the FirstNet Flying COWs are available at no additional charge. The FirstNet team at AT&T will determine the appropriate asset to send – or resolution – based on the situation.

“FirstNet is transforming the marketplace for public safety communications – delivering products, services and technologies that are making a difference for our first responders,” said Ed Parkinson, Acting CEO of the First Responder Network Authority. “We are excited about the progress of the network enhancements. As we move forward, the First Responder Network Authority and AT&T will continue to work with Public Safety to advance and evolve the network platform to meet their ongoing communications needs.”

FirstNet is built with AT&T in a public-private partnership with the First Responder Network Authority – an independent agency within the federal government. This helps ensure that the FirstNet communications platform and service offerings meet the short- and long-term needs of the public safety community.