Iowa PSAPs Increase Reliability With FirstNet Installs

Iowa 911 Program Manager Blake DeRouchey says that new connectivity of Iowa PSAPs to a backup FirstNet connection has provided a “great leap in reliability from just a couple of years ago,” even on “bad days.”

DeRouchey was speaking about additions to the list of 75 FirstNet installations at Iowa PSAPS deployed by the Iowa Communications Network (ICN) in partnership with the state’s Department of Homeland Security and Emergency Management.

“Our partnership has become an integral part of the 911 network in Iowa,” DeRouchey said in a press release.

“We are proud to say we have 75 PSAPs onboard using FirstNet as their backup, should they lose their primary connection,” said Patrick Kazeze, ICN’s Facilities and Technical Assistance Center bureau manager. “When you consider that there are 111 PSAPs spread across 99 counties, that is sort of a big deal, especially when this is a voluntary program.”

The installations consist of new Cradlepoint modems and routers, allowing the PSAPs to transport critical information and ensure the data is encrypted. The new modems and routers are replacing older, aging models.

“The new models come 5G ready and are set to significantly increase uploading and downloading speeds,” Kazeze said.

Since each site is unique — with factors such as tall buildings or buildings at the bottom of a ravine and no direct line of sight to a cell tower — the installations are planned well in advance with a pre-install site survey to review cell towers and maps to go along with coordination with FirstNet and AT&T.