Cox Business gains AT&T, Sprint sign-on to its Las Vegas Convention Center DAS

Cox Business' ongoing contract to supply Internet connectivity to the Las Vegas Convention Center got an additional boost as three major wireless carriers -- AT&T (NYSE: T), Sprint (NYSE: S) and an unnamed third carrier -- agreed to support their customers using a new distributed antenna system (DAS) installed in the facility by Cox and its partner InSite.

The neutral DAS will greatly improve Wi-Fi communications within the massive 3.2 million square foot convention center, Cox said.

The Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority awarded a seven-year contract to Cox Business in 2013 to boost communications capabilities for convention visitors. Among other improvements over the past 18 months, Cox increased the number of Wi-Fi access points from 166 to 2,100, a move it says will "markedly improve" performance for mobile devices, enable high-speed video streaming and other 4G LTE services such as HD Voice and video calling. The business services unit also installed wired high-speed Internet networking service and equipment, wired voice, options for private networking and TV services.

"The trade show floor becomes a mobile office for many of our attendees making reliable cellular service critical," said Terry Jicinsky, senior vice president of operations, LVCVA, in a media release.  "By upgrading the DAS, the Las Vegas Convention Center continues to enhance the customer experience."

The expanded Wi-Fi access points are currently operational, ahead of the CES trade show in early January. The DAS network is set to be completed by late 2016.

Once complete, AT&T and Sprint customers should see better data capacity and quality of service within the convention center.

"The convention and arena business is an important segment for Cox Business," said Steve Rowley, SVP of Cox Business in an e-mail to FierceTelecom. "When consumers go to a tradeshow, concert or sporting event, they want the very best wireless experience – we know that without a doubt.  That's why we are working with our customers to implement advanced technology to ensure the best possible experience for their customers – it's a win-win." 

For more:
- see the release
- see this Multichannel News article

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