AT&T are rolling out a big boost in mobile coverage and capacity throughout the Miami area in advance of Super Bowl LIV this weekend.
AT&T has been working for more than a year – having invested more than $85 million – to boost its network through a series of both permanent and temporary upgrades in the city. All this is designed to help residents, first responders and fans stay connected wherever they are.
“When fans head to Miami to cheer on their team, we want to keep them connected to share and engage with their favourite experiences,” said Chris Sambar, EVP, Technology Operations. “The investment we’ve made in our network will help them connect faster and easier than before.”
AT&T have also confirmed that the network improvements aren’t just for the Big Game, but part of a strategic capacity increase. “Miami residents will continue to see the benefits of our enhanced network even after the game ends,” said Sambar. “Many of our network enhancements deployed for the Big Game are permanent and will continue to benefit customers and first responders in the city long after the champion is crowned.”
And to keep fans safe at one of the year’s biggest sporting events, the FirstNet team at AT&T and the First Responder Network Authority (FirstNet Authority) are working hand-in-hand with dozens of public safety agencies to prepare. This advance work helps ensure first responders have the mobile coverage, capacity and capabilities – network priority and preemption included – that they need to stay connected throughout the festivities.
Better mobile coverage inside the stadium
AT&T have upgraded their part of the in-stadium Distributed Antenna System (DAS) and other network enhancements – such as adding 5G+ and Band 14 spectrum – to provide over 300% more LTE capacity than what was available at the start of the football season. Come kick-off time, the system will be utilising the most LTE capacity currently available on any AT&T DAS in the state of Florida.
The DAS, a system of strategically-placed antennas that distribute and actively manage wireless network coverage throughout the stadium, help evenly distribute coverage, creating a better fan experience. This capacity boost helps manage heavy wireless traffic and gives fans and first responders strong wireless coverage throughout game day – from early tailgating to the final trophy presentation.
Better coverage outside the stadium
Fans and first responders will also be able to enjoy improved coverage in hotels, arenas, airports and convention centres, among other venues through a series of network enhancements:
♦ offering extra speed and capacity over 5G+ in parts of 35 cities, including Miami and Miami Gardens.
♦ upgraded or installed a new DAS at 29 additional locations throughout the Miami area.
♦ deploying 6 Cell on Wheels (COWs) to handle expected increased wireless network demands. They will improve reliability and data speeds during the week leading up to and during the Big Game.
AT&T are also enhancing mobile coverage for the 10th annual AT&T TV Super Saturday Night. The deployments will include a Super COW capable of 5G+ at Meridian Island Gardens to enhance coverage for all the fans headed to see Lady Gaga perform the night before the Big Game.
These investments will allow Florida residents, businesses, visitors and attendees at the festivities to celebrate the Big Game over the AT&T network at home, at work or on the go.
FirstNet is the nationwide communications platform dedicated to America’s first responders and public safety community. It’s built with AT&T in public-private partnership with the FirstNet Authority. And it’s bringing public safety a much-needed technology upgrade to help them connect to the critical information they need – especially at large events like the Big Game.