2024-09-03 Elizabeth Songvilay (AT&T) Testimony-Comments

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role in building FirstNet, the nationwide public safety network, as part of a public-private 2 partnership with the federal government. As the Commission knows, wireless customers rely on their devices as they work, learn, live, and play. A wireless device is also a lifeline, whether to call 9-1-1 or connect with a loved one, and all wireless facilities provide communication services that protect health, safety and welfare. To keep up with demand and maintain reliability, AT&T works daily to upgrade existing Island, we are seeing a need for new wireless facilities to expand coverage in rural areas and to enhance coverage where needed in populated areas. For more than five years, AT&T has been working diligently with state and local public safety Certain areas are identified as critical for network improvements so that first responders can carry out their missions. In some cases, such areas are also identified as critical for 9-1-1 3 access. In 2022, over 80 percent of 9-1-1 calls (over 1 million 9-1- 4 came from a wireless phone. Conclusion Again, AT&T hopes to continue to work with the Department of Planning and all stakeholders to help achieve the goals of the proposed code changes without compromising the quality and Mahalo for your consideration and the opportunity to submit written testimony. Sincerely, Elizabeth Songvilay Director, External & Legislative Affairs 2 For more information on the history on the First Responder Network or FirstNet, you may visit: https://firstnet.gov/about/history. 3 A wireless facility would be critical for 9-1-1 access if it is the only available facility in the area. See https://www.fcc.gov/911-reliability 4 911 Statistics & Data | 911.gov.