New FirstNet Cell Site in Northern Minnesota to Support First Responders

First responders in Northern Minnesota are getting a major boost in their wireless communications thanks to the FirstNet network expansion currently underway by AT&T. FirstNet added a new, purpose-built cell site located on the Echo Trail just north of Ely near Twin Lakes and Everett Lake.

This FirstNet site will provide coverage when traveling along the Echo Trail in the remote wilderness of northeastern Minnesota. It will also give first responders on FirstNet access to always-on, 24-hours-a-day priority and preemption across voice and data.

This is the third FirstNet site in St. Louis County and the second on the Echo Trail. In 2021, FirstNet added a new site on the Echo Trail northwest of Ely near Meander Lake and Lake Jeanette State Forest – one of the first primarily powered by solar in the Midwest region. This site along the Echo Trail provided coverage to first responders who battled the Bezhik wildfire in May of 2021 just a few miles south of the tower. FirstNet also added a new site in 2021 in the Kabetogama State Forest near Kjostad Lake and west of Buyck.

Paul Weirtz  
President, AT&T Minnesota

“We are excited to launch this new FirstNet site along the Echo Trail and provide critical wireless coverage in the remote wilderness of northern Minnesota. Minnesota’s first responders deserve reliable coverage across the state to help them effectively and efficiently address incidents. With FirstNet, that’s exactly what they’re getting. We have a responsibility unlike any other network provider, and we couldn’t be more pleased to support the public safety mission by bringing first responders, residents and visitors in St. Louis County greater access to the connectivity they need.”