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AT&T Enhances Wireless Coverage in Downtown LouisvilleJan 25, 2011 (Close-Up Media via COMTEX) -- AT&T announced the recent activation of more than a million-dollar advanced wireless system that will enhance mobile coverage inside and around the KFC YUM! Center in downtown Louisville. According to a release, the KFC YUM! Center is home to the University of Louisville Cardinals Men's and Women's Basketball programs. Additionally, it is designed to accommodate a wide variety of other events including NCAA championships such as wrestling, swimming and volleyball, as well as concerts, circuses, wrestling and boxing matches and ice shows. "This new system means arena guests can better communicate using their cell phones no matter where they are on game or event days," said Jim Wood, president and CEO, Louisville Convention and Visitors Bureau. "This significant network upgrade is especially important to attracting new convention business to the arena. We appreciate the cooperation of AT&T to enhance the experience of locals and visitors using the KFC YUM! Center." AT&T installed network equipment on a Distributed Antenna System to manage available spectrum and increase mobile broadband capacity inside the KFC YUM! Center. "These investments will have an immediate impact for our citizens who attend events at the KFC YUM! Center," said Louisville Councilman Dan Johnson. "As we work to continue to grow the economy, downtown Louisville will be able to grow even faster with the benefit of enhanced mobile broadband coverage." The DAS supporting the KFC YUM! Center consists of seven equipment cabinets to support mobile broadband. The new system provides wireless service throughout all seating areas, the press box, the garage, the luxury suites, concourses and locker rooms. "This investment will help University of Louisville fans stay better connected when they're at the KFC YUM! Center," said Tom Jurich, vice president for athletics at the University of Louisville. "We recognize that with more than 22,000 people in the arena and thousands more in and around the facility, there is a need for great wireless service. Going to an event at this arena has always been a great experience. Now it's going to be even better with this new wireless system." The goal of the DAS project is to achieve integrated cellular coverage indoors and out. Whether AT&T customers are using their cell phones, smartphones or even laptops with wireless Internet cards, they will be better able to access sports scores while on-the-go, upload photos instantly to social networking sites like Facebook and Twitter, and use navigation to get turn-by-turn directions and traffic alerts on their way to and from the arena. "These advanced systems will provide our customers with an enhanced mobile experience as they enjoy games and other events," said Mary Pat Regan, AT&T Kentucky state president. "We are committed to providing superior coverage on AT&T's network for our customers, and are happy to improve their experience at the KFC YUM! Center." AT&T is a communications holding company. ((Comments on this story may be sent to [email protected])) |