W2i, BelAir Webinar to Explore Wi-Fi Role in Minneapolis Bridge Disaster Response
The free, 90-minute session will focus on the critical role Minneapolis’s broadband-wireless network played in enabling emergency communication services and video applications after the I-35W bridge collapse on August 1
Boston, Massachusetts. 10/04/2007 —
The Wireless Internet Institute and BelAir Networks, in partnership with rClient, will host the webinar "The Emerging Role of Broadband-Wireless Networks in Emergency-Response Crises: Lessons Learned from the Minneapolis Bridge Collapse" on Thursday, October 25, 2007, 10:00 A.M. (EDT).
James Farstad, President of rClient and trusted advisor to the City of Minneapolis in planning and deploying its citywide broadband-wireless network, will moderate a panel of city officials and the network’s service and equipment providers:
• Lynn Willenbring, CIO, City of Minneapolis
• Rob Allen, Minneapolis Deputy Chief of Police
• Rocco Forte, Director, Minneapolis Emergency Response Center
• Kurt Lange, Vice President, USI Wireless
• Jim Freeze, SVP Marketing and Alliances, BelAir Networks
Local-government CIOs and IT managers as well as police, fire and first-responder professionals are encouraged to participate. More information. Read a backgrounder by James Farstad. Excerpt: "As the event unfolded, a number of immediate potential uses of the wireless network became apparent. They included opening an alternate path to electronic communication and information for city personnel; extending the Wi-Fi network infrastructure to fully blanket the scene of the bridge collapse for emergency personnel on-site connectivity; implementing live multiple perspective camera coverage of the scene for EOC and Command Post uses; and providing community links to City of Minneapolis resources, Hospital Emergency Coordination Units, State of Minnesota Department of Transportation (MNDOT) traffic routing information, Red Cross Blood Bank collection points, and local and national news outlets. On a longer-term basis, it could be used to enable ongoing monitoring and coordination of the rebuilding effort."
About W2i
The Wireless Internet Institute (W2i) is an independent forum bringing together stakeholders around the world to accelerate the adoption of wireless Internet in support of social and economic development and better managed cities, communities and regions. Held annually in three to four regions of the world, the W2i Digital Cities Convention includes a thought-leadership conference exploring the planning and deployment of broadband-wireless infrastructure, applications and services; practical training for local authorities; roundtables for wireless service-provider executives and digital-inclusion stakeholders; the annual Wireless Communities Best-Practices Awards; and a Technology Showcase produced in partnership with the public sector, private sector, and international development institutions. About BelAir Networks
BelAir Networks is the first company to offer scalable, mobile wireless broadband mesh networking solutions with the highest quality for data, voice and video. The company teams with world-class global partners to deploy proven, cost-effective wireless broadband mesh networks. BelAir’s wireless networking solutions are built on the only multi-service architecture for municipal wireless broadband deployments of Wi-Fi, WiMAX and 3G Cellular networks. Built specifically for outdoor deployments, BelAir Networks’ patented solution delivers the lowest cost per user and deploys in days, blending into the physical infrastructure of downtown business districts, hotels and resorts, and campuses. Founded in 2001, BelAir Networks is a privately held company. For more information, visit www.belairnetworks.com. About rClient
rClient, LLC is a strategic business, telecommunications and information technology consulting firm headquartered in Minneapolis, Minnesota. rClient has proven experience in strategic planning, program management, technology design, acquisition, and implementation management, as well as corporate relocation and business continuity planning. It is currently assisting the City of Minneapolis in the implementation of its municipal wireless strategy.
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