Wireless Minneapolis in Action
Going Mobile!
A new mobile wireless solution was unveiled in 2012 for mobile workers. IT and Public Works Radio Shop staff are rolling out the new system which uses USIW WiFi with Verizon cellular service as a backup.
The new solution provides:
- Faster speed and improved performance. User feedback has been very positive and performance is a big improvement over Sprint 3G.
- Redundancy. The router monitors the signal and transfers from USIW to Verizon seamlessly if needed with no interaction from the user.
- Low monthly costs. The cost is $50 per month each for the two communication backbones (Verizon 4 G, and USIW WiFi).
- In-house supportability. The Radio Shop provides support of the equipment offering users a one-stop maintenance shop. The technology is industry standard and repairs can be done at the Royalston Facility. Routine maintenance services can be easily scheduled along with other vehicle maintenance activities.
Public Safety Recent Installations:
- Piloting 48 MPD squad cars using the 4.9 frequency. The 4.9 frequency is licensed for public safety use only. This dedicated frequency provides higher performance and no interference with non-public safety devices on the network.
- MPD in-squad electronic ticketing allows enhanced mobile functionality reducing manual entry and eliminating paper forms.
- Digital in-squad video upgrade provides higher quality video and wireless transfer of data eliminating manual processes.
- Safety Cameras: 37 public safety cameras are active using the 4.9 frequency. Views and clarity are exceptional, with fast response to zooming.
Future uses of the Wireless network
Increasing use of wireless services by the City workforce will enable greater work process flexibility and increased effectiveness. Additional usage leverages the City’s financial commitment while reducing overall operational costs. The City’s anchor tenant philosophy has extended the availability of wireless services to residents and their businesses throughout the City and has kept downward pressure on industry communications broadband pricing—some 13 percent of City households use Wireless Minneapolis for their wireless communications.
2012
- 52 additional MPD squad cars using 4.9 frequency by end of 2012
- 4 additional Safety Cameras in the 1st and 3rd Precincts
- 4 Mobile cameras
- 5 Public Works Paving vehicles
- City employee work-at-home (1,100 employees live in Minneapolis)
2013
- 50 additional MPD squad cars
- 50 Safety Cameras in 4th Precinct
Fire Rigs will begin using the network when funding is available.
Ongoing Wireless Usage
- 91 Regulatory Services vehicles, which includes Traffic, Animal Care & Control, Housing, Fire Inspection and Construction Inspections Services
- 3 Regulatory Services Traffic Control vehicles have live downtown safety camera views for a more proactive traffic management process
- 2 IT vehicles
- 48 MPD Squads
- 6 Public Works Water Works Trucks
- 11 Public Works Sander Trucks
- 18 Fire stations - Computers and building security systems
- 8 Police community sites - Computers and building security systems
- 17 Mobile cameras
- 52 1st & 3rd Precinct street cameras
- 37 Port safety cameras
- 16 Police Precinct safety cameras (4th Precinct)
- 60 Solid Waste & Recycling vehicles
- 8 Parking meter areas
- 35 Downtown electronic message street signs
- 524 Active city employee WiFi accounts; all city laptops are WiFi enabled
- City Hall guest access and City employee mobility access
Updated July 9, 2012
Last updated Oct. 5, 2012