How To Deploy Bonded Cellular 5G Internet Rentals for Events

Organizing an event with no stable internet is a risk no event planner takes lightly. Whether it is a seminar, an expo, or a charity gala with live streaming, connectivity is as elemental as electricity today. That is why there is bonded cellular internet rental—a practical solution for keeping attendees, exhibitors, and workers online without depending upon venue networks which are bound to fail when stretched.

What is Bonded Cellular Internet?

Why do I Have Full Bars and No Cell Phone Service?

Experiencing full bars on your cell phone display but no service can be attributed to several factors:

Phoenix Arizona Fake Cactus Cell Towers

Cell towers designed to resemble cacti are known as "cell cacti" or "cactus cell towers." These unique tower designs blend into desert landscapes and are specifically intended to minimize visual impact while providing cellular coverage. Here are a few key points about cactus cell towers:

Largest Arena Naming Rights Deals

Top 20 Arena Naming Rights Deals

Verizon & AT&T Have Spent Millions on Naming Rights Deals. I can't tell you how many times I have heard reporters say the stadium has no reception or connectivity.  Last night Patrick O'Neal from Fox Sports West was covering the Los Angeles Kings playing the Washington Capitals at the "Verizon Center" in Washington DC.  @Patrick_Oneal was frustrated on the broadcast he was not able to get updates on scores and probably connect to social media while at the game.  

Common sense would tell you that if you are a carrier owning naming rights to a stadium you would go out of your way to provide the best coverage.  However, reception and network data congestion at stadiums is still a huge problem despite efforts install more antennas, WiFI and DAS.  Here is list of naming rights sponsor ships that shows you its all about marketing and not about providing quality service.  Here is another example of AT&T Cowboy Stadium cell reception problems.  I am curious how the reception is at the AT&T Center in San Antonio?  

Here is a map of Stadiums and Arenas around the world. 

Can Cellular Networks Handle Madonna's Super Bowl Half Time Show?

Madonna Super Bowl Half Time Show

As more than 150,000 people converge on Indianapolis for football’s biggest game of the year, AT&T has made a significant investment in permanent and temporary wireless network enhancements to support increased network traffic. However, will any carriers be able to handle 65,000 fans uploading photos of Madonna during the halftime show?  My bet is no and I will certainly be testing it during the halftime show.  

This is the classic case of everyone making a cell phone call during an emergency and no one can get through due to the congestion.  The has happened numerous times during Earthquakes and natural disasters and is a huge safety hazard.  But this time the congestion will be highly predictable and it remains to be seen if all of the networks still will crash during the mass upload, picture taking, phone call and text messaging half time show.  Here are some things that AT&T has specifically done in the Indianapolis to prepare for the massive Blackberry, Android, iPad and iPhone traffic: 

AT&T Wi-Fi Hot Zone, the company’s seventh major-market hotzone, serving parts of downtown Indianapolis. The new hotzone will provide fast and Wi-Fi near many popular locations along Capitol Avenue, Meridian and Pennsylvania Streets as well as East and West Georgia streets near the center of town, which consistently see high customer traffic and mobile data use. AT&T customers with high speed Internet, smartphone or LaptopConnect plans get unlimited access to AT&T Wi-Fi Hot Zones at no additional cost. From most AT&T smartphones and devices, customers will be able to automatically connect and switch seamlessly between AT&T’s Wi-Fi and wireless networks. Wi-Fi use doesn’t count toward customers’ smartphone data plans.

AT&T has also launched an expanded Distributed Antenna System (DAS) at Lucas Oil Stadium, which is among the largest of its kind in the U.S., enabling 4G LTE coverage within the stadium and carrying more traffic than 10 cell sites. In addition, AT&T has expanded its 4G LTE network to its DAS for media accommodations and has plans to enhance or install DAS systems in a number of other venues before the big game. 

“Events like the big game generate memorable experiences that our customers will want to share with friends and family through text messages, photos, status updates on social networks and calls from their mobile devices,” said Brian Ducharme, Vice President and General Manager, AT&T Indiana and Michigan. “We’re excited to provide significant network improvements – like our AT&T Wi-Fi Hot Zone and expanded or new DAS throughout the city – that will enhance the network experience for our customers in Indianapolis before, during and after the game.”

Further preparations for the big game include deploying nine Cells on Wheels (COWs) to support Lucas Oil Stadium, the downtown area, practice facilities and other places where large crowds are expected to accommodate increased wireless network demands from high concentrations of smartphone users. The company has also added capacity to nearly 200 cell sites throughout the Indianapolis market. The augmentations will help improve reliability and offer faster data speeds.

Cell Phone Reception for Indy Super Bowl

Lucas Oil Stadium Indianapolis

AT&T, Verizon and Sprint are getting ready for the huge influx of Patriots and Giants fans for Super Bowl weekend in Indianapolis.  The whole area will experience and huge increase in extra cell phone traffic.  Lucas Oil Stadium holds 63,000 people and it is highly likely there could be 25,000+ iPhones simultaneously trying to share pictures all at once.  The big question is can the carriers 3G and 4G LTE networks handle the capacity?  We will be at the Super Bowl in person to find out and share with you our experiences.

Last years Super Bowl in Dallas it was reported that numerous fans complained about the cell coverage inside Cowboy Stadium for the Super Bowl.  Most networks just don't have the capacity to handle the traffic all at once.  It still surprises me that stadiums have not installed their own Free WiFi networks inside the stadium for fans.  Carriers often partner with the stadium to install WiFi / DAS networks in venues like this in order to enhance wireless connectivity.  We would love to see more PR on this issue from all the sports leagues including the NFL, NBA, NHL and MLB.

AT&T has made concerted efforts to enhance the network in Indianapolis.  Not only are they upgrading the network but they are actually showing customers on a pretty map they call AT&T MicroSites.

One of the other things Patriots and Giants fans will see are these "cells on wheels," which are also called COWS.  They are trucks with portable cell towers on top of them. You'll may also see devices hidden in parking garages and other places that will also boost cell power.

Months of planning have gone into the upgrades. "Over the last year, we've made more than 500 improvements in our wireless network alone here in the Indianapolis-metropolitan area," said George Fleetwood.

AT&T isn't the only wireless provider upgrading its network ahead of the big game. Verizon has spent $159 million on upgrades in 30 locations around Indy. Sprint has also beefed up its coverage with several cells on wheels along with major added capacity inside Lucas Oil Stadium.

Twins Fans Get Free "TWiFi" at Target Field

Free WiFi at Target Field in Minneapolis

WiFi & Cell Reception Inside MLB Stadiums

Yankee Stadium IPad App

Where Did The 3D Channels Go?

Where are the 3D channels consumers were promised this year on cable TV?  Cable subscribers of Verizon FiOS, Cablevision, Cox, Time Warner, Comcast, and AT&T U-verse are still waiting patiently for their channels. According to this blog, Direct TV has 4 3D channels, Time Warner has ESPN 3D while the other cable operators have 0. HDTV's success can be attributed to content and now 3D could draw the same road map. It is likely that nearly 1 million 3D TVs have been sold in the US and the number is growing by 50% per year and Samsung owns the majority of this market share.

ESPN broadcasted 3D programming on a dedicated channel for the World Cup Soccer but that is about it for content. Comcast subscribers were able to see the Masters golf Tournament in 3D.  I will admit that some sports are better than others for watching in 3D and stadium events might not be that compelling unless you are watching a camera from the sideline. 3D content is still lacking and ESPN will likely be the driver of more sports programming content with hopefully some more NFL, NBA, NHL, MLB, and college football games. Why isn't Fox carrying the Super Bowl at Cowboy Stadium in 3D? Golf to me is one of the greatest 3D viewing experiences having viewed the Maui open on a DVD at the store.

Sony, Discovery, and IMAX announced a 3D venture for programming this week to launch the first 24/7, fully programmed 3D television network in the U.S. Content includes a collection of 3D content including natural history, documentary, action/adventure, hard travel, history, hyper-reality, concerts, movies, scripted series and more.  So why isn't Samsung sponsoring more sporting events to get more people interested in buying 3D HD TVs?

3D channels were introduced in the late 2000s and early 2010s, aiming to provide a three-dimensional viewing experience for television content. However, due to various factors, including limited consumer demand and production challenges, many 3D channels have ceased their operations or reduced their offerings.

One of the major reasons for the decline of 3D channels was the lack of widespread adoption by consumers. While 3D movies gained some popularity in theaters, the demand for 3D content at home did not reach the same level. Many viewers found the use of special glasses uncomfortable or cumbersome, and the limited availability of 3D content further contributed to the diminished interest.

As a result, several broadcasters and cable/satellite providers gradually discontinued their 3D channels. Instead, they shifted their focus to other technologies and content formats that gained more popularity, such as high-definition (HD) and Ultra HD (4K) programming. These formats offered improved picture quality without the need for specialized glasses.

While it's possible that some 3D channels may still be available in certain regions or through specialized providers, the overall availability of 3D channels has significantly declined in recent years. The emphasis has shifted towards other technologies and content formats that offer enhanced viewing experiences.

Carriers Bluffing on Cell Phone Signal Booster Network Interference

Mobile operators have avoided facing the reality of consumers frustrated with congested networks and entrepreneurs who have found solutions to fix coverage problems. Now comes a report from the New York Times that the leading mobile operators in the USA are contending that wireless boosters interfere with the smooth running of their networks. What's ironic is "cell phone boosters" have been around for a few years with companies like Wilson Electronics and Wi-Ex.  This equipment is used by law enforcement and often used at stadiums to boost coverage.  Fast forward 10 years and now with an investment in femtocell made, the mobile operators are screaming stop, and seeking assistance from their trade body, CTIA and the FCC to limit or eliminate the use of the wireless boosters when in reality the solution to provide coverage in many places really has been Wi-Fi.  Here are products that have been sold directly from Amazon Wireless for many years.

Read more about the craziness of this idea at VoIP Watch.

List of Verizon Wireless 4G LTE Airports

Verizon Wireless will commercially launch its' 4G LTE network in 38 major metropolitan areas by the end of 2011 here is a list of the Verizon's 4G LTE cities. In addition, they will launch 4G LTE in more than 60 commercial US airports listed below. Initial devices to be USB modems for laptop connectivity because their aren't any phones that have LTE capabilities. We expect to offer LTE consumer handsets in mid-year 2011.  It will be interesting to see how WiFi competes with LTE in these airports as its essentially free in most places.   I am surprised to see Verizon not initially promoting their LTE coverage in stadiums since its rumored they will be spending close to a billion dollars over the next few years with the NFL for sponsorship and marketing.   Here is a list of your Airports that will have LTE and very few devices capable of using the network.

LTE Airports
Austin-Bergstrom International, Austin, Texas
Baltimore/Washington International Thurgood Marshal, Glen Burnie, Maryland
Bob Hope, Burbank, California
Boeing Field/King County International, Seattle, Washington
Charlotte/Douglas International, Charlotte, North Carolina
Chicago Midway International, Chicago, Illinois
Chicago O’Hare International, Chicago, Illinois
Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky International, Covington, Kentucky
Cleveland-Hopkins International, Cleveland, Ohio
Dallas Love Field, Dallas, Texas
Dallas/Fort Worth International, Fort Worth, Texas
Denver International, Denver, Colorado
Fort Lauderdale/Hollywood International, Fort Lauderdale, Florida
George Bush Intercontinental/Houston, Houston, Texas
Greater Rochester International, Rochester, New York
Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International, Atlanta, Georgia
Honolulu International, Honolulu, Hawaii
Jacksonville International, Jacksonville, Florida
John F. Kennedy International, New York, New York
John Wayne Airport-Orange County, Santa Ana, California
Kansas City International, Kansas City, Missouri
La Guardia, New York, New York
Lambert-St. Louis International, St. Louis, Missouri
Laurence G. Hanscom Field, Bedford, Massachusetts
Long Beach/Daugherty Field, Long Beach, California
Los Angeles International, Los Angeles, California
Louis Armstrong New Orleans International, Metairie, Louisiana
McCarran International, Las Vegas, Nevada
Memphis International, Memphis, Tennessee
Metropolitan Oakland International, Oakland, California
Miami International, Miami, Florida
Minneapolis-St. Paul International/Wold-Chamberlain, Minneapolis, Minnesota
Nashville International, Nashville, Tennessee
New Castle, Wilmington, North Carolina
Newark Liberty International, Newark, New Jersey
Norman Y. Mineta San Jose International, San Jose, California
North Las Vegas, Las Vegas, Nevada
Orlando International, Orlando, Florida
Orlando Sanford International, Sanford, Florida
Palm Beach International, West Palm Beach, Florida
Philadelphia International, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Phoenix Sky Harbor International, Phoenix, Arizona
Phoenix-Mesa Gateway, Mesa, Arizona
Pittsburgh International, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
Port Columbus International, Columbus, Ohio
Portland International, Portland, Oregon
Rickenbacker International, Columbus, Ohio
Ronald Reagan Washington National, Arlington, Virginia
Sacramento International, Sacramento, California
Salt Lake City International, Salt Lake City, Utah
San Antonio International, San Antonio, Texas
San Diego International, San Diego, California
San Francisco International, San Francisco, California
Seattle-Tacoma International, Seattle, Washington
St. Augustine, Saint Augustine, Florida
St. Petersburg-Clearwater International, Clearwater, Florida
Tampa International, Tampa, Florida
Teterboro, Teterboro, New Jersey
Trenton Mercer, Trenton, New Jersey
Washington Dulles International, Dulles International Airport, Washington, D.C.
Will Rogers World, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma
William P. Hobby, Houston, Texas

Cowboy Stadium Cell Phone & WiFi Coverage?

Carriers are starting to get more aggressive about improving WiFi, 4G and 5G coverage inside NFL stadiums and we want to know how they are doing.  

Crown Castle Boosts Cell Reception at Amway Center in Orlando, FL

Orlando just moved into a new $480 million Amway Center, touted as a technological marvel but cell phone coverage was overlooked during construction. Orlando city officials say the various wireless carriers are working to improve coverage inside the massive stadium but think the bureaucratic process could take months. It's unclear exactly which carriers are experiencing spotty coverage because the quality of coverage apparently varies from carrier to carrier. Some Magic fans are reporting no issues at all.

Cell phone boosters are apparently on the way provided by a company contracted by the city called Crown Castle. It is a public company trading under the ticker CCI and is installing about 150 cell-boosting antennas which will be completed by the end of the month. The longer process will come trying to get the individual wireless carriers contracted and piggybacking on the Crown Castle system.

It isn't clear what the stadium is technically using if it is a Picocell, Femtocells, Repeaters, or Distributed Antenna System (DAS). This is going to be an ongoing issue at many NFL, NHL, MLB, NBA, NCAA, stadiums around the US in the coming months. Stadium cell phone coverage is a focus for many carriers as they begin to roll out 4G, Wimax and LTE networks.  Other questions remain whether the stadium owners were friendly to the fans and implemented their own free Wifi network.

When are Verizon FiOS 3D Channels Coming?

Verizon FiOS TV customers are waiting patiently for their 3D channels and programming as the NFL 2010 Football season is now in session.  But who has 3D channels?   Watching sports on a 3D TV is pretty close to being at the stadium or on the golf course.  Seeing the depth gives you a whole new perspective of what the athletes and fans at the stadium are seeing.  It's a brand new experience is quite similar to what HD was back in early 2000.  Many executives downplayed the significance of HDTV back then and continue to do the same with 3D.  However, I think 3D is going to revolutionize TV once again just like HD.  It is impossible these days to watch any programming in a regular TV format or analog. 

I had my first 3D aha moment at Best Buy the other day while shopping for a new Samsung 3D plasma TV.  I was watching the Maui Open Golf Tournament on tape with 3D glasses and was absolutely amazed at the different viewing experiences it provides.  I thought I was actually on the green with the golfer reading the put while looking at the ocean in the background.  Then watching the golf ball come off the tee and travel down the fairway was incredible.   I was sold and in the process of purchasing 2 3D TVs for my house.

3D channels were introduced in the late 2000s and early 2010s, aiming to provide a three-dimensional viewing experience for television content. However, due to various factors, including limited consumer demand and production challenges, many 3D channels have ceased their operations or reduced their offerings.

One of the major reasons for the decline of 3D channels was the lack of widespread adoption by consumers. While 3D movies gained some popularity in theaters, the demand for 3D content at home did not reach the same level. Many viewers found the use of special glasses uncomfortable or cumbersome, and the limited availability of 3D content further contributed to the diminished interest.

As a result, several broadcasters and cable/satellite providers gradually discontinued their 3D channels. Instead, they shifted their focus to other technologies and content formats that gained more popularity, such as high-definition (HD) and Ultra HD (4K) programming. These formats offered improved picture quality without the need for specialized glasses.

While it's possible that some 3D channels may still be available in certain regions or through specialized providers, the overall availability of 3D channels has significantly declined in recent years. The emphasis has shifted towards other technologies and content formats that offer enhanced viewing experiences.

AT&T Wifi Hotspot Locations Map

AT&T Wi-Fi Network of U.S. Hotspot Locations

LTE Cell Phone Tower Industry Growth

Stadiums & Airports Are A Focus for LTE 4G Not Current 3G Cell Phone Towers

LTE 4G cell phone tower build outs will NOT be as big of an opportunity as projected by the analysts for the cell phone tower operators like American Tower, SBA Communications and Crown Castle. Carriers are taking a much more rifled and focused approach to building out new towers versus the shotgun approach used for 3G network build outs.  Carriers are taking 3+ years to build out the new faster networks and only will do it if the demand is there.  

New cell sites are getting built at 4G airports & stadiums that have concentrations of people and customers.  These high traffic areas first are also getting smaller cell tower antennas which are taking on different forms like distributed antenna systems and femtocells.  Tower operators are starting to use new systems built by femtocell manufacturers that are starting to eat into the traditional cell tower business.  One other new industry growth opportunity would be for one of the cell tower operators to get into the Wi-Fi business because many speculate that Wi-Fi cell phone towers are the future.

In order to understand this read up on the "inside out" strategy for building the LTE networks. Carriers are building out LTE 4G much differently than they did 3G which was much of a shotgun approach without much focus. Carriers will focus on smaller sites first like stadiums, malls, hotels and homes (using femtocells) and then move to build out where capacity is needed most. Its not the same as a 3G where they blanketed entire markets. Carriers also recognize that devices aren't ready yet for the masses and most people are not going to be watching movies in their cars or outdoors.  This is why AT&T to Spend $1B on Free Femtocells does not bode well for the cell phone tower operators who don't have their tentacles in this market yet.

Article in reference to: Tower industry primed for growth with carrier buildouts - RCR Wireless News (view on Google Sidewiki)

Ree related posts: Forget 4G Cell Towers, Bring on Femtocells