ASHFIELD — AT&T customers may have noticed fewer dropped calls lately.

That’s because the cell tower that was recently constructed off Baptist Corner Road was activated in early April, providing increased coverage for AT&T customers.

AT&T Senior Public Relations Manager Karen Twomey said as people spend more and more time online, whether it be for work, school or just fun, cellular networks need to become stronger, more reliable and more wide-reaching. Between 2019 and 2023, AT&T invested nearly $900 million in network upgrades in Massachusetts, and this past year, the company signed a lease with Blue Sky Towers to install equipment on a monopine — a monopole disguised as a pine tree — the company owns off Baptist Corner Road.

Twomey added that not only does the tower expand cellular coverage for AT&T customers, but the new site brings Band 14 to the area. Band 14 is the national spectrum built for the First Responder Network Authority, also known as FirstNet, which Twomey described as a “VIP connectivity fast lane for first responders.” The federal program was created after 9/11 to prioritize first responder cell communications when cell lines are inaccessible during an emergency.

“We know how important it is for our customers to stay connected, especially in western Massachusetts,” AT&T Atlantic Region President John Emra said in a statement. “This new network resource will help residents and businesses get the best possible experience over the AT&T network wherever they live, work and play. And we have a responsibility unlike any other network provider to support the public safety mission by bringing Massachusetts first responders greater access to the reliable connectivity they need through Band 14 and FirstNet.”

Ashfield Fire Chief Kyle Walker said since the cell tower went live, members of his department have noticed service in parts of town where they’ve never has service before, including at the Fire Station on Main Street.

“I’ve never had service here. I used to have to leave the station throughout the day to check my messages and voicemail,” Walker said. “I’m excited that it’s live and we’re gonna take advantage of it.”

Having a few bars at the station and throughout town has allowed the Fire Department to better communicate, both internally and with other departments, even when members are out responding to calls. Walker said the firefighters are now able to share updated information with each other in real time, even in former dead zones.

“Having cellphone service here in town is amazing. It really helps us fill gaps in the state communication system,” Walker said. “We’ve already noticed a difference in the past few weeks.”

Ashfield residents, when asked about their experiences since the cell tower was activated, said they were pleasantly surprised to wake up one day to find they had a few bars of service, and no longer needed to rely on access to Wi-Fi to make a call.

“My phone surprised me by ringing in the Post Office,” said resident John Perkins.

“I have two bars in South Ashfield,” commented resident Suzi Kinglsey Day. “It’s amazing!”

Residents added that the expanded service will allow them to better access emergency services when needed.

“No service before, full bars now,” said Isaac Clark of Clark Brothers Orchards. “I’m a paraplegic and it is awfully nice knowing I can call for help if I get stuck somewhere on the farm.”

Not all residents have been able to enjoy increased service, however. Only AT&T is under lease to maintain antennas, transmitters and other support equipment on the tower at this time, so only AT&T customers and customers of AT&T subsidiaries, such as Cricket Wireless, have reaped the benefits.

The cell tower has space for equipment for up to three carriers. T-Mobile has confirmed it is in the early stages of planning to expand coverage in the Ashfield area, but details and timelines have not been finalized yet.

Reach Madison Schofield at 413-930-4579 or mschofield@recorder.com.