Telecommunications specialist AT&T is enhancing its network for customers at the NCAA Men’s Final Four. The company has been working for over a year to expand and improve its coverage in Phoenix as part of a continuing investment to support growing demand for wireless devices and services. Permanent and temporary network upgrades in Phoenix will keep customers connected as soon as they arrive.
In total, AT&T is investing more than US$2m to better the mobile experience.
The company has seven Distributed Antenna Systems (DAS) serving venues hosting NCAA Men’s Final Four events – include the University of Phoenix Stadium, the Phoenix Convention Center and nearby hotels. At the stadium, AT&T has added more than 60% LTE capacity to the existing wireless network.
The company has also deployed two Cell on Wheels (COWs) equipped with the Luneburg Lens, or ‘Eyeball Antenna.’ This gives attendees ten times the capacity of a traditional single-beam antenna. They will handle spikes in demand from the concert series in downtown Phoenix and the area surrounding the University of Phoenix Stadium. AT&T has also added capacity at 16 nearby macro cell sites. These enhancements will help customers have a better wireless experience, no matter where they are.
“When our customers in Phoenix cheer on their favorite team, we want them to have a great experience. That means they stay connected while making a call, checking email or sharing on social media,” says Jerry Fuentes, president, AT&T Arizona. “Many of these upgrades are permanent and will continue to provide a better mobile experience for sports fans year-round. It’s just one way we’re continuing to invest in our Phoenix area wireless network.”
