New FirstNet Cell Site Launches Near Deer River to Support First Responders in Itasca County

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 south of Deer River on Great River Road near Skunk Lake and the Mississippi River.

This new site will provide coverage when traveling along Great River Road (County 65 NE) and Minnesota State Highway 6 west of Grand Rapids in Itasca County. It will also give first responders on FirstNet access to always-on, 24-hours-a-day priority and preemption across voice and data.

In 2021, FirstNet added a new site in Togo near George Washington State Forest in Itasca County. In addition, AT&T has added new cell towers in Itasca County to enhance mobile broadband coverage and help give residents, visitors and first responders faster, more reliable wireless service. These sites are south of Bigfork near Maple Lake and north of Bovey by Lower Balsam Lake.