The Minnesota Department of Public Safety released a Request for Proposal (RFP) today for a Next Generation 911 Network. This project is part of the state's efforts to modernize its 911 network. The state currently utilizes Qwest Communications for their Enhanced 911 systems. Every city and county in the state has Enhanced 911 capabilities. In May 2007, the state contracted with L. Robert Kimball and Associates to develop a strategic plan for modernizing Minnesota's 911 network. The contract called for L. Robert Kimball and Associates to evaluate current infrastructure and systems throughout the state and propose a solution that could incorporate text, video, and data. The proposed plan was adopted by the state and the current RFP asks for technologies that have the capability to send text, video, and data throughout the statewide network.

The project will be implemented in three phases:

Phase I- Establish IP Connectivity Between Selective Routers

The goal of the first phase is to provide fully enhanced (ANI and ALI) 911 calls between PSAPs across service provider networks. This first phase would include installing TDM to IP gateways and corresponding selective router (SR) interfaces at each of the current Qwest and IES selective router/tandem locations to establish IP connectivity.

Phase II- Establish Non-Redundant IP PSAP Connectivity

The goal of the second phase would be to extend the Phase 1 IP connectivity to all of the 115 PSAPs, and migrate one of the two existing PSAP ALI connections from serial data links to the new IP network.

Phase III- Establish a Fully Redundant IP Network

The third phase would be to establish a fully-redundant IP network by implementing the redundant paths to all the PSAPs. The full completion of Phase 3 is dependent on the availability of diverse network elements and the PSAPs' plans to implement i3 capable CPE equipment.

INPUT estimates this project to cost around $10 million. The state has brought in around $140 million in 911 revenue from FY06-FY08. The state estimates that FY09-FY11 will generate over $175 million in 911 revenue. This is a very large endeavor for the state, but once implemented, Minnesota will stand atop the country in its ability to provide next generation 911 services to its citizens.