U of Arizona Plans Distributed Antenna System for Improved Cellular Coverage -- Campus Technology

Networking and Wireless

U of Arizona Plans Distributed Antenna System for Improved Cellular Coverage

By Leila Meyer
07/31/13

The University of Arizona (UA) has plans to implement a distributed antenna system (DAS) to improve cellular voice and data coverage and capacity for its stadium and surrounding areas.

The university selected DAS and Wi-Fi provider Boingo Wireless to design, build, and manage the network. "The University of Arizona understands that data demand is set to exponentially increase in the coming years, and has ambitious plans to greatly enhance campus cellular capacity and coverage," said Doug Lodder, vice president of business development for Boingo Wireless, in a prepared statement.

Phase one of the project is scheduled to launch this fall, and the multi-layered DAS network will provide high-capacity coverage throughout the 56,000-seat Arizona Stadium, including all fan areas, as well as the nearby student residence halls and Steward Observatory Mirror Laboratory. According to information from Boingo, the DAS will be a neutral host, multi-carrier network to ensure service for everybody regardless of their cellular provider and increase network availability for campus communication systems.

Details of subsequent implementation phases were not announced, but Matt George, assistant athletic director, video and information technology for UA, said that the project is a foundation for "a multi-phase, expanded cellular installation that will strengthen and improve the campus network for years to come."

"The Boingo DAS installation is part of the University's Strategic Network Master Plan, a 10-year plan developed by campus IT and business professionals in partnership with the Office of the CIO to upgrade the capacity and security of our campus network," said Michele Norin, chief information officer for UA, in a prepared statement. "The Network Master Plan helps us anticipate and meet the technological needs of the UA campus community and ensure its continued growth and success."

The University of Arizona is a public research university located in Tucson, AZ. It serves more than 40,000 undergraduate, graduate, and professional students and employs more than 15,000 faculty and staff. Arizona Stadium is the home of the Arizona Wildcats football team.

About the Author

Leila Meyer is a technology writer based in British Columbia. She can be reached at [email protected].

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