Minnesota receives FirstNet State Plan

​

After much anticipation, FirstNet released State Plans which detail what the dedicated wireless broadband network would look like for Minnesota’s public safety professionals. ECN staff is going through that plan as part of a 45-day review process. The plan comes after FirstNet and AT&T announced a partnership to build the network earlier this year. Two initial takeaways from the review process include:

• AT&T is offering Priority and Preemption on their entire network by the end of the year, which was more than FirstNet asked for.
• AT&T is stressing consultation with the states in offering existing infrastructure to get the best network possible. 

So, what’s next? In July, ECN staff, along with Minnesota’s FirstNet workgroups and public safety partners will review the State Plan and submit comments. This includes evaluating the State Plan against the requirements that Minnesota’s FirstNet workgroups put together last fall. After FirstNet receives those comments, they have until late September to deliver the final State Plan. A 90 day review process will follow before Gov. Dayton will consider whether Minnesota will opt-in or opt-out of the network in December.

The State of 911 in Minnesota

Minnesota recently participated in a comprehensive survey that gathered data on the state of the 911 system in 46 states. The 2016 National 911 Progress Report details which states are making strides in planning for and implementing Next Generation 911 (NG911) services.

Minnesota is among the early adopters of NG911 technology that will make statewide Text-to-911 a reality by the end of 2017. NG911 technology is a priority here: As of 2014, all 104 of Minnesota’s 911 dispatch centers are connected to the next generation Emergency Services IP Network. Review Minnesota’s ongoing NG911 initiatives and projects.

The 2016 National 911 Progress Report was compiled by the National 911 Program, which is housed at the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), a part of the U.S. Department of Transportation (USDOT).