Minnesota’s public safety professionals regularly face a variety of severe weather events, including heavy rain, snow, tornadoes, and high-velocity, straight-line winds. They protect communities across Minnesota’s vast plains, wilderness, and tribal lands; around its many lakes and waterways; and along its northern border with Canada.

The First Responder Network Authority team recognizes the unique communications challenges that Minnesota first responders face. We have been working closely with Minnesota public safety officials since 2014, capturing their feedback and translating it into the design of the FirstNet network. During the development of state deployment plans, our team worked hand-in-hand with Minnesota leaders to ensure the plan was customized to address their needs, including:

• Extending coverage to first responders in rural areas and improving coverage along Minnesota’s border with Canada
• Using the FirstNet platform to drive innovation in public safety applications
• Providing first responders with access to dedicated network assets that can be deployed for additional coverage and support when needed

Following this close collaboration, Minnesota chose to adopt the plan and “opt in” to FirstNet. Today, we continue to meet regularly with state and local officials to discuss their public safety broadband needs. In 2019 alone, our team met with Minnesota public safety officials more than 25 times. Our engagements in Minnesota include meeting with the Midwest Association of Sovereign Tribes, visiting Lake County, and attending the Wireless Broadband and Applications Committee for the Standards and Applications Workgroup. Engagements like these are crucial to the ongoing success of the network and the advancement of public safety communications across the state and the nation.

Connect with our team of Public Safety Advisors to learn about FirstNet in your community.