Cell tower installed in Cape Henlopen State Park
In an effort to provide emergency response personnel with enhanced coverage, AT&T has installed a purpose-built cell site in Cape Henlopen State Park.
The company announced the installation of the tower, which is part of its FirstNet network, in a press release Jan. 24.
“Delaware’s first responders deserve reliable coverage across the state to help them effectively and efficiently address incidents,” said Vince Apruzzese, AT&T Delaware president, in a prepared statement. “We have a responsibility unlike any other network provider and couldn’t be more pleased to support the public safety mission by bringing Delaware first responders – and residents – greater access to the connectivity they need.”
This site was constructed using Band 14 spectrum, as well as AT&T commercial spectrum. Band 14 is a nationwide, high-quality spectrum set aside by the government specifically for FirstNet. In an emergency, this band can be cleared and restricted solely for FirstNet subscribers, said the company.
AT&T said it’s rolled out Band 14 on more than 80 sites across Delaware. The company also said it invested more than $60 million in its network infrastructure between 2020 and 2022.
Chris Flood has been working for the Cape Gazette since early 2014. He currently covers Rehoboth Beach and Henlopen Acres, but has also covered Dewey Beach and the state government. He covers environmental stories, business stories and random stories on subjects he finds interesting, and he also writes a column called Choppin’ Wood that runs every other week. He’s a graduate of the University of Maine and the Landing School of Boat Building & Design.
