FirstNet huge rural coverage opportunity, AT&T Communications CEO says

Using its deployment of FirstNet to provide a dedicated, nationwide network to first responders, AT&T can reach deeper into rural consumer markets that typically fall to chief competitor Verizon, according to AT&T Communications CEO John Donovan. “T-Mobile much more urban, Verizon much more rural,” Donovan said. “FirstNet gives us a great opportunity to go into the rural markets because not only will we be building the network for first responders, it dawned us that we should also be putting up stores and going after the consumers. I think Verizon’s going to have its hands full with our strategy going forward in the more rural areas.” He said network investment hit around $140 million in the first quarter of 2018 and will reach around $2 billion by the end of the year. “We’re really getting into a ramp on the build,” Donovan said. “We’re going out and touching the towers, at the same time we’re deploying all our spectrum. It’s one touch for all the bands. The footprint is beginning to grow.”