Reflecting on 2020 and serving our communities

What are the qualities that define a community? Unity, commitment, and adaptability – all values, when woven together, describe the values our teams work hard to uphold, in and outside the company.

As 2020 comes to an end, we remain steadfast in our commitment to be there for friends, families, coworkers and neighbors. Whether it’s addressing social and economic barriers or empowering those particularly affected by the pandemic, we continue to collaborate with civic and non-profit organizations to provide our communities with the resources they need.

While the homework gap has existed for decades, COVID-19 has brought national awareness to the problem. Although America’s networks have performed well during the pandemic, many rural and low-income families don’t have the internet access they need to work and learn. We believe in the equality of education and connection is at our core. And now that the classroom has gone digital, we are refocusing our efforts to expand student connectivity.

It is vital we continue to support each other through the COVID-19 pandemic to emerge stronger than ever. From opening opportunity’s doors to closing technology gaps, I invite you to read below and learn more about our journey to building a resilient community.

Best wishes for a happy holiday season – and a better 2021.

Sincerely,

Denis Dunn

Investing in Delaware

Delaware’s first responders are getting a major boost in their wireless communications with the addition of new, purpose-built FirstNet cell sites and other network enhancements statewide. This new infrastructure is a part of the FirstNet network expansion taking place across the state, bringing increased coverage, capacity and capabilities for public safety.

FirstNet is the nationwide, high-speed broadband communications platform dedicated to and purpose-built for America’s first responders and the extended public safety community. It’s built with AT&T in a public-private partnership with the First Responder Network Authority – an independent agency within the federal government.

New FirstNet cell sites have launched in the following communities:

• Kent County: A new site in Kenton provides coverage to the town and helps fill the gap between Pearsons Corner and Cheswold. A new site in Felton provides coverage in rural Delaware, covering Sandtown, Petersburg and Route 12 between Felton and the Delaware/Maryland border.
• New Castle County: A new site in Newark improves coverage at the University of Delaware Science & Technology building, as well as boost capacity at athletic facilities along S. College Avenue. A new site in Townsend improves coverage around scenic Highway 9 and Saw Mill Branch Road.
• Sussex County: A new site in Milford improves coverage in and around downtown Milford. A new site in Milton (adjacent to Dogfish Head Brewery) boosts coverage for the retail business area along Main Street and residential homes in the downtown area of Milton. A new site in Dagsboro enhances coverage along Routes 113 & 26 and in downtown Dagsboro. And, a new site in Millsboro improves coverage along Routes 24 & 23.

Read the entire announcement here.

In addition, AT&T continued to expand its network in Delaware, giving customers in the state, including FirstNet subscribers, another boost in mobile broadband connectivity.

In Kent County, AT&T turned on a new site in the town of Hartly that provides coverage along the border between Delaware and Maryland, as well as along Routes 44 and 11. Another new site in Kent County will cover the towns of Staytonville, Oakley, and Farmington, as well as Route 13 between Farmington and Greenwood.

A new site in Seaford, Sussex County will improve coverage along Route 13 and Seaford Road (Alternate Route 13), as well as surrounding neighborhoods and businesses.

“Delawareans are relying on mobile broadband service more each day. That’s why we continue to build out our network across the First State, including our more rural communities.”

Denis Dunn — President, AT&T Delaware

“Delawareans are relying on mobile broadband service more each day. That’s why we continue to build out our network across the First State, including our more rural communities,” said Denis Dunn, president, AT&T Delaware. “These new sites will give our first responders, families and businesses, in the area, more access to the mobile broadband connections that are so important to the safety, vibrancy and competitiveness of the First State.”

Read more here.

Leveling the playing field: changing barriers to opportunities

The COVID-19 pandemic has forced the world to rapidly change the ways we live and work. So, in a time not short on challenges, how do we change barriers to opportunities? We level the playing field.

• Closing the homework connectivity gap is a top national priority, and I’m proud that AT&T continues to do its part to keep students connected to their teachers. Recently, we introduced a new education initiative that will build on our efforts and move us closer to closing both the homework gap and the home connectivity gap. And we aren't stopping there. We also announced a new $10 million contribution and collaboration with Connected Nation that will provide free internet connectivity and devices to underserved communities across the country. Read more about these efforts here.
• As the pandemic continues to force schools to rely heavily on remote learning, disconnected students are not just missing homework – they are missing critical learning. The federal Lifeline program – a program intended to help make telecommunications services more affordable for low-income Americans – can and should help address these urgent connectivity needs. But first, we need to bring the program into the 21st century. Learn how that can happen.

Celebrating our past and inspiring our future

Our commitment to innovation is nothing new. Whether it’s present day or in our past – we’ve been ahead of the game. 65 years ago was the first trial of the Bell system’s solar battery:¹

1 https://insider.att.com/contents/23395104