Muni wireless is hero in Minneapolis bridge disaster
Minneapolis’s downtown wireless network emerged as the hero in rescue efforts following the collapse of the I-35 bridge into the Mississippi River last week‚Äö?Ñ?Æand the network is only partly complete. Applications like this make the case for muni wireless.Minneapolis’s downtown wireless network emerged as the hero in rescue efforts following the collapse of the I-35 bridge into the Mississippi River last week‚Äö?Ñ?Æand it’s only partly complete.
ComputerWorld has a fascinating article on the role that the network played in first responders’ communications and their ability to retrieve necessary data in the rescue effort.
Although only the downtown portion of the city’s proposed 60 square mile network has been installed, it was close to the scene of the disaster. The report quotes Minneapolis City CIO Lynn Willenbring, saying “Thank goodness we had it in and that this piece of the network was already up and operational. We could not have been as effective if it were not for that.”
Thanks to the network, rescue workers at the site were able to retrieve large mapping files. The network also supported wireless cameras that were installed to assist in operations.
The employees of Ricochet showed the world the critical importance of wireless communications following the attack on the World Trade Center. This is yet another example. It is precisely these types of applications that make the case for muni wireless. Critics that have focused on EarthLink’s business difficulties and coverage problems in early deployments have conveniently neglected the important role these networks play and the critical public payback they deliver in times of emergency and in overall efficiency of city services.
The coals in my patio grill are hot. I wonder how those who have declared muni wireless a ‘bad idea’ would like their crow?
Click here to read the ComputerWorld story.
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Carol – EXCELLENT article! (BTW…link above is broken,) This is another real world example of how Public Safety can benefit from a Municipal Wireless Network.
Thank, Eric. And thanks for the heads-up on the link. Don’t know what happened there but I’ve updated with a different URL that seems to be working. Do access the story. It’s an important one. I might add that I live within view of the New York skyline and had several friends who worked in the World Trade Center. Not only do we take data com for public safety very seriously here, it remains an emotional issue. This demonstration of the effectiveness of a muni public safety network literally brought tears to my eyes.
As a resident of Minneapolis (who crossed the 35W bridge almost daily) let me just say–I am certainly glad our elected officials decided to move forward building out this network when they did.
Fiber would not have helped us this past Wed, this was all about mobility.
Other cities and towns should take note; this initiative was first and foremost about building out a public safety network, with an additional “digital inclusion” layer offered in response to public participation and concerns. This model works in many ways, and demonstrates a new paradigm illustrating what is possible when public and private interests work cooperatively.
The City’s partner,US Internet Wireless, is to be commended for their response and support during this tragic event.