New infrastructure in South Dakota will help advance public safety, improve connectivity for first responders and expand rural broadband coverage for residents and visitors.
First responders serving the Yankton Sioux tribal communities got a major boost in their wireless communications thanks to the FirstNet network expansion currently underway by AT&T.
The company has added a new, purpose-built cell site southwest of Wagner, South Dakota, on the Yankton Sioux Reservation near Marty, to give first responders on FirstNet – America’s public safety network – access to always-on priority and pre-emption across voice and data.
This new site will increase coverage and capacity for tribal first responders serving the community, as well as for first responders, residents and visitors to the Marty-area in southern Charles Mix County.
The project will help ensure South Dakota first responders connect to the critical information they need – every day and in every emergency.
This new infrastructure will help improve the overall coverage experience for AT&T wireless customers on the Yankton Sioux Reservation. The expanded coverage provided by the new cell site will improve public safety for travelers and local residents alike by increasing first responders’ ability to communicate in the event of an emergency.
The new site will also enhance wireless capabilities for visitors to the Fort Randall Casino and Hotel complex and other local businesses. Residents and visitors can take advantage of the AT&T spectrum bands, as well as Band 14 when capacity is available.
Robert Flying Hawk, Tribal Chairman, Yankton Sioux Tribe, said: “The COVID-19 pandemic has reinforced the importance of broadband for online learning, the economy, public safety and health care. The new cell tower near Marty will improve connectivity for first responders on FirstNet and provide expanded mobile broadband for tribal members, businesses and visitors to the Yankton Sioux Tribe.”
Cheryl Riley, President, AT&T Northern Plains States, said: “AT&T knows how important it is for customers to stay connected. That’s why we continue to be focused on making investments in rural and tribal communities in South Dakota and in larger cities and towns. We are boosting network reliability and capacity as we expand the network across the state to deliver much needed service to areas such as the Yankton Sioux Reservation. This will help residents and first responders to get the best possible experience over the AT&T and FirstNet networks.”
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