Someone asked me about FirstNet and the ARMER network as tools to extend access to broadband to rural areas. So I thought I’d share a little bit about what I looked up.

ARMER (Allied Radio Matrix for Emergency Response) is the 800 MHz trunked public safety radio System used in the State of Minnesota. FirstNet is the next generation, national public safety network. I think there is some real potential in FirstNet to reach the far corners of the state with broadband – especially with wireless broadband. In the meantime, ARMER may be worth looking into for communities in need of towers from their equipment.

Here’s what the Office of Electronic Communications site says about the opportunity…

Leasing radio towers or other ARMER resources

Excess tower capacity

Cities, counties, and other public safety/governmental agencies can request to use space on the MnDOT towers and shelters where there is excess capacity.

Other wireless users (non-public safety and private) may also request to use capacity on MnDOT towers where the capacity is not required for public safety users.

All requests must be submitted on a User Request Form to MnDOT for review and approval.

To request a User Request Form or general questions in regards to collocating on MnDOT communication towers please contact:

Shane Chatleain
shane.chatleain@state.mn.us
Office of Electronic Communications
1500 W. County Rd. B2 MS 730
Phone: 651-234-7947
Fax: 651-234-7960

Other resources

• MnDOT procedures for approval of excess ARMER capacity requests.

• Radio Board policy on excess capacity allocation

Hope that helps!