AT&T boosts wireless network speeds in Raymondville

RAYMONDVILLE, TEXAS – AT&T has added a new cell tower in Raymondville, Texas, to enhance wireless connectivity.

The company held a ribbon-cutting ceremony on March 7 to announce the investment.

“Expanding our network and doing our part to help close the digital divide is one of our top priorities at AT&T,” said Mario Barragan, director of external affairs for AT&T Texas.

“We are committed to investing in the local network infrastructure necessary to drive economic growth and support communities like Raymondville.”

Ron Whitlock Reports interviewed Barragan at the ribbon-cutting ceremony. He was asked how AT&T’s investment helps the residents of Willacy County.

“This new tower gives the people here a boost in conductivity and capacity. It covers a three-mile radius and brings the latest technology like 5G. It also comes equipped with Band 14, which is for our FirstNet subscribers. FirstNet is our only truly dedicated first responder network.”

Asked how the new enhancement compares to fiber-to-the-home broadband, Barragan said: 

“So this is wireless technology over cell. AT&T, when we provide broadband, is fiber directly to the home. So it’s just different technologies. Fiber-to-the-home is intended for home use, obviously, and this is intended for mobile use. So it’s just two different technologies directed for two different types of use.” 

An AT&T press release says they company is bringing fast, reliable and secure connectivity to more than 290 million people in over 24,000 cities and towns nationwide.

“This helps Texas residents and businesses get the best possible experience over the AT&T network wherever they live, work and play,” the press release stated.

The press release also said Band 14 is a nationwide, high-quality spectrum set aside by the government specifically for AT&T’s FirstNet service.

“We look at Band 14 as public safety’s VIP lane. In an emergency, this band – or lane – can be cleared and locked just for FirstNet subscribers. When not in use by FirstNet subscribers, AT&T customers can enjoy Band 14’s added coverage and capacity,” the press release stated.

From 2020 to 2022, AT&T invested nearly $7.6 billion in wireless and wireline networks in Texas, the press release stated. “These investments boost reliability, coverage, speed and overall performance for residents and their businesses.”

A number of elected officials were present at the ribbon-cutting ceremony. Here is what they said:

“Robust and reliable broadband connections are so important now, but also critical to the future of our city and to our economic growth. AT&T’s investment in our community will help our businesses, large and small, sell more goods and reach more audiences, while also helping them work faster and smarter,” said Willacy County Judge Aurelio Guerra.

“AT&T’s investment in our infrastructure will help ensure local workers, businesses, students and families have access to the fastest internet possible. That, in turn, will help them fully harness the power of this amazing tool right at our fingertips or in the palm of our hand,” said Willacy County Treasurer Ruben Cavazos.

“Keeping Texans connected to the future is critical for our state’s continued growth and success. AT&T’s expansion of 5G infrastructure for Willacy County will help ensure that local residents and businesses continue to thrive,” said state Sen. Morgan LaMantia.

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