Lake Lure, North Carolina – AT&T, alongside the Federal Communications Commission (FCC), the National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA), and the First Responder Network Authority (FirstNet Authority), has unveiled new communications infrastructure investments in Lake Lure, North Carolina, reinforcing public safety connectivity and accelerating the region's recovery following Hurricane Helene.

Representatives from the FCC, NTIA, the FirstNet Authority, AT&T, local government and emergency response agencies gathered in Lake Lure to celebrate the deployment of a new wireless cell site and expanded AT&T Fiber services, marking another milestone in strengthening resilient communications infrastructure for residents, businesses and first responders.

The investment enhances wireless coverage along Highway 74 and the Broad River corridor while extending AT&T Fiber to more than 340 additional residential and business locations. Combined with nearly 200 premises already connected, the expansion significantly increases access to high-speed broadband in the community.

The new wireless infrastructure also delivers enhanced connectivity for public safety users on FirstNet®, Built with AT&T, providing first responders with greater network coverage, capacity and reliability during both daily operations and emergency situations.

Strengthening Critical Communications for Disaster Recovery

The latest deployment comes as western North Carolina continues rebuilding after Hurricane Helene, demonstrating the growing importance of resilient communications networks capable of supporting disaster response, economic recovery and community resilience.

The new cell site enables always-on priority and preemption for FirstNet subscribers while introducing dedicated Band 14 spectrum to the Lake Lure area. Reserved exclusively by the U.S. government for public safety, Band 14 provides first responders with dedicated network resources during times of heavy congestion while also expanding coverage and capacity for AT&T commercial customers whenever it is not being used for emergency operations.

During the event, attendees also viewed one of FirstNet's Satellite Cell on Light Truck (SatCOLT) deployable network assets. The mobile communications platform forms part of FirstNet's fleet of more than 190 deployable assets managed by the FirstNet Response Operations Group™ (ROG), a specialized team led by former first responders that supports emergency communications nationwide.

Officials Highlight Importance of Modern Communications Infrastructure

FCC Chairman Brendan Carr emphasized the role of communications investment in supporting resilient communities.

Brendan Carr, Chairman, Federal Communications Commission "I want to thank the telecom crews that have worked hard to build, restore, and expand service following Hurricane Helene. Investing in modern communications infrastructure is key to strengthening America’s communities and supporting long-term growth. AT&T’s investment in fiber and wireless infrastructure in Lake Lure will help enhance connectivity in the area and support the region’s continued recovery and resilience."

NTIA Administrator Arielle Roth highlighted FirstNet's mission to support emergency responders during disasters.

Arielle Roth, Assistant Secretary of Commerce for Communications and Information and NTIA Administrator "When devastating storms like Hurricane Helene strike, Americans rely on first responders to answer the call and save lives. This new cell tower reflects FirstNet's commitment to ensuring first responders have the reliable connectivity they need during emergencies. Thanks to the additional $2 billion in value for public safety secured by Secretary Lutnick earlier this year, we expect to see more coverage enhancements like this across the country. Congratulations to the Lake Lure community on its extraordinary recovery efforts."

Michael Cannon, Executive Director and CEO of the First Responder Network Authority, reaffirmed the organization's long-term commitment to public safety agencies across North Carolina.

Michael Cannon, Executive Director and CEO, First Responder Network Authority "The FirstNet Authority is proud to stand alongside the brave and resilient communities of western North Carolina. We will continue to deliver on our promise to public safety in the region, bringing them the coverage, capacity, and reliability they need to keep residents and visitors safe throughout the Lake Lure area."

Lake Lure Mayor Carol Pritchett noted the broader economic and community benefits enabled by improved connectivity.

Carol Pritchett, Mayor, Town of Lake Lure "For rural and remote communities like ours, reliable connectivity is essential infrastructure. It strengthens public safety communications, supports education and telehealth, and powers economic opportunity. We appreciate AT&T’s continued investment in the Lake Lure community with new wireless infrastructure and expanded AT&T Fiber availability. These investments will help provide residents, public safety, businesses and visitors with enhanced connectivity and opportunity – opportunity for innovation, improved emergency response, economic development, and a stronger future for our community."

U.S. Senator Ted Budd also welcomed the investment.

U.S. Senator Ted Budd "As Western North Carolina communities work to recover and rebuild, AT&T’s continued investment in Lake Lure will help strengthen connectivity, support economic recovery, and advance public safety through FirstNet’s dedicated capabilities for first responders."

AT&T North Carolina President Trey Rabon said the company remains focused on expanding resilient broadband and wireless infrastructure across the state.

Trey Rabon, President, AT&T North Carolina "At AT&T, we are proud to invest in modern, resilient communications infrastructure that helps North Carolina communities stay connected. By expanding AT&T Fiber, enhancing wireless coverage and supporting public safety on FirstNet, we are helping deliver the modern connectivity Lake Lure’s residents, visitors and first responders rely on today and in the future."

Expanding FirstNet and Fiber Across North Carolina

The Lake Lure deployment forms part of broader investments in North Carolina's communications infrastructure.

Today, FirstNet supports more than 760 localities across the state, while nearly 2,100 wireless sites have been upgraded with dedicated Band 14 spectrum to strengthen mission-critical communications for first responders.

AT&T's nationwide 5G network now reaches more than 315 million people across over 26,900 cities and towns, including Lake Lure, delivering fast, reliable and secure wireless connectivity for consumers and businesses.

Between 2021 and 2025, AT&T invested more than US$3.2 billion in North Carolina's wireless and wireline infrastructure, improving network coverage, speed, reliability and overall performance throughout the state.

Created by the U.S. Congress following the September 11 terrorist attacks, FirstNet was designed in partnership with the public safety community and is operated through a public-private partnership between the FirstNet Authority and AT&T, providing first responders with a nationwide communications platform purpose-built for mission-critical operations.