Data Surge and Network Congestion During COVID-19

​Between adults working from home, students completing distance learning, and others streaming videos, music and games, our nation's networks can be congested. But ECN has several programs in place that are helping first responders and our essential emergency services operate without hiccups during this time. 

Among them is the state’s land mobile radio system known as ARMER (Allied Radio Matrix for Emergency Response), as well as our 911 network, which runs independently from other phone calls, and FirstNet, a dedicated wireless broadband network for emergency responders. Director Dana Wahlberg talked about these dedicated services and how they can be relied upon during the COVID-19 pandemic. 

Watch the story here. ​

Public Safety Communications Conference Canceled

Following Governor Tim Walz’s Peacetime State of Emergency declaration and the Minnesota Department of Health’s new recommendations to reduce the spread of Coronavirus (COVID-19), the Minnesota Department of Public Safety (DPS) is canceling or postponing upcoming conferences and training opportunities.

The DPS acknowledges that the participants at these events often serve as public safety personnel in their own local communities. Instituting this social distancing measure will allow them to work in their own jurisdictions and keep our communities as safe as possible.   This includes the Emergency Communication Networks (ECN) Public Safety Communications Conference, scheduled for April 15-17 in St. Paul.

• All attendees, exhibitors and sponsors will receive a full refund of their registration fees.
• No cancellation fees will be applied.  
• Attendees should directly contact the InterContinental St. Paul Riverfront Hotel to cancel their lodging reservation. 
  
  

Using Wireless Broadband in Emergency Response

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Minnesota’s public safety professionals continue to explore the benefits of adding a dedicated wireless broadband network to their toolbox when they respond to emergencies. In February, the First Responder Network Authority and ECN hosted first responders to discuss services available on the FirstNet network. The network for public safety is currently being built-out and will offer dedicated services to law enforcement, fire and EMS once completed.

Learn more about the challenges and opportunities in building out this network and the current discussions on how to best use the network in emergencies.