AT&T Boosts Speeds in Cherokee County

Staff Report From Georgia CEO

Friday, May 2nd, 2025

AT&T has added a new cell site to enhance Waleska’s 5G wireless coverage and capacity. Now, residents, businesses, and public safety on FirstNet® can get the most out of their mobile devices.

The new site in Waleska provides coverage to new communities along Highway 140 Reinhardt College Parkway northwest of Waleska.

“Reliable, wireless connectivity is an essential part of fostering growth and opportunity in Cherokee County. AT&T’s investment in wireless infrastructure will help local businesses thrive, provide residents with better tools for work and daily life, and enhance the overall quality of life in our community,” said Harry Johnston, Chairman, Cherokee County Board of Commissioners. “We are grateful for AT&T’s ongoing commitment to Cherokee County and their efforts to support our vision for a more connected and innovative future.”

“In today’s digital world, staying connected is a necessity. AT&T’s investment in wireless communications infrastructure in Waleska will provide enhanced connectivity for our residents, visitors, small businesses and first responders,” said Geoff Morton, County Manager, Cherokee County. “As Cherokee County continues to grow, we appreciate AT&T’s continued investment in our county and its commitment to helping close the digital divide.” 

AT&T 5G brings fast, reliable and highly secure connectivity to more than 310 million people in over 26,100 cities and towns nationwide, including Waleska. This helps Georgia residents and businesses get the best possible experience over the AT&T network wherever they live, work and play. 

These enhancements also support first responders and the extended public safety community on FirstNet, Built with AT&T – America’s public safety network. This new site brings Band 14 spectrum to the area. Band 14 is nationwide, high-quality spectrum set aside by the government specifically for FirstNet. We look at Band 14 as public safety’s VIP lane, delivering truly dedicated connectivity when needed. When not in use by FirstNet subscribers, AT&T customers can enjoy Band 14’s added coverage and capacity.

Created by the U.S. Congress, FirstNet was shaped by the first responder community’s vision following the 9/11 terrorist attacks. It is built with AT&T in public-private partnership with the FirstNet Authority – an independent authority within the federal government.

“At AT&T, we know how important it is for our customers to stay connected. We are proud to invest in Cherokee County with wireless infrastructure necessary to connect in today’s digital world,” said Brian Barfield, Regional Director of External Affairs, AT&T Georgia. “With enhanced wireless coverage, our customers will be able to experience better network connectivity that will help with virtual learning, responding to emergencies and connecting with one another.” 

From 2019 to 2023, AT&T invested nearly $14.9 billion in our wireless and wireline networks in Georgia. These investments boost reliability, coverage, speed and overall performance for residents and their businesses.

Go here to learn more about how AT&T is supporting Georgia. For more about the value FirstNet is bringing to public safety, check out FirstNet.com