Wireless Minneapolis gives emergency officials real-time video of recovery in action
August 8, 2007 (MINNEAPOLIS) One of Minneapolis’ newest public safety tools, the Wireless Minneapolis network, was an invaluable resource for emergency responders at the scene of the Interstate 35W Bridge collapse, and continues to provide critical real-time information during the recovery efforts. Live video from the collapse site is now being transmitted wirelessly into Minneapolis’ Emergency Operations Center inside City Hall.
The high-speed wireless network is still under construction, and when completed later this year, will allow wireless internet access throughout the city. When the I-35W Bridge collapsed Aug. 1, 2007, the wireless network was partially completed in the area surrounding the bridge, and has since been installed throughout the bridge site.
During the rescue efforts, emergency responders were able to use the wireless network to share information, including transmitting large electronic maps to the site to assist rescue efforts. Wireless cameras were installed on the 10th Avenue Bridge, which runs alongside the I-35W Bridge, and are now providing live views of the site to emergency planners. From within the Emergency Operations Center and the Incident Command Center, emergency workers can view the live feed and control the cameras to monitor developments at the collapse site. The visual information is invaluable in tracking progress and making immediate emergency response decisions.
Public safety is one of the chief reasons Minneapolis sought the construction of a citywide wireless network. In 2006, the City of Minneapolis signed a 10-year contract with US Internet to build and manage a citywide wireless network, with Minneapolis City government signed on as the anchor customer for the new service. US Internet is currently in the process of constructing the wireless network, which is expected to be live citywide before the end of 2007.
A wireless network that covers all of Minneapolis has many public safety benefits. Firefighters use wireless to access building floor plans and other critical information while on the way to a fire. Security cameras and the ShotSpotter system are linked wirelessly to police precincts. The network could also allow police officers on the way to a crime scene to view security camera video of the scene from their squad cars as they approach, no matter where they are in the city. Squad car camera video could be transmitted to police precincts in real-time, which would provide better monitoring and reaction to incidents. This same high-speed, wireless network will be available to all Minneapolis residents, businesses and visitors.
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