AT&T turns on 5G service in Jasper

On Wednesday morning the Jasper Sam Rayburn Chamber of Commerce hosted a ribbon cutting for AT&T for the opening of 5G service at a new cell tower on North Wheeler. Chamber members and all five city council members were present with AT&T's Jonathon McClellan the Director of External and Legislative Affairs took part in the ribbon cutting. AT&T says that the tower in Jasper is an expansion to the carriers 5G network to boost wireless connectivity for the area. AT&T has invested more than $7 billion in Texas in the last three years and just under $5 million in the City of Jasper. These investments will boost reliability, coverage, speed and overall performance for residents and businesses. The enhancements that AT&T are bringing to Jasper include Band 14. Band 14 is a nationwide high- quality spectrum set aside by the government for FirstNet. Band 14 could be called the public safety VIP lane. In emergency situations this band or lane can be cleared and locked for FirstNet subscribers, but in normal situations Band 14 will add coverage and capacity to AT&T customers. Mayor, Randy Sayers was not at the ribbon cutting due to a reported illness. However, a press release from AT&T quoted him as saying, "We greatly appreciate this new infrastructure investment for the Jasper community. The Tower will provide improved coverage and connections for local residents and first responders." Jasper Economic Development Corporation Executive Director, Eddie Hopkins told those in attendance, "A strong communications infrastructure is critical to the businesses we are looking to attract and retain in the Jasper area. We appreciate AT&T's commitment to our community and to ensuring we have the wireless connectivity we need to succeed."