The Carolina Panthers have named CommScope an official network solutions sponsor for Bank of America Stadium. CommScope will supply equipment and provide on-site technical engineering support for wired and wireless communications at the venue in Charlotte, N.C.
According to a new survey by CommScope, both Millennials and Baby Boomers say that having reliable internet connectivity wherever they are is important to them (89 percent and 81 percent, respectively).
CommScope reports it is supplying copper and fiber network infrastructure to the stadium. The company is supplying an optical LAN solution for a passive optical network in the stadium suites and structured cable/connectivity elsewhere. This integrated infrastructure enables applications such as high-bandwidth data, voice, VoIP and WiFi, HDTV and hospitality services for the suites and broadband video.
To upgrade the wireless network at Bank of America Stadium, the Panthers hired Beam Wireless Inc., a DAS and small cell consultant, to provide technical services and equipment selection guidance. The Panthers and Beam Wireless selected CommScope’s ION-U distributed antenna system (DAS). The Panthers reportedly were able to deploy the DAS in less than 90 days from start to finish, and three wireless operators are now on-air throughout the stadium.
The ION-U is said to enable network engineers to adjust power levels all the way down to individual frequency bands, allowing for more targeted network optimization. The solution incorporates an intelligent point of interface (i-POI) that reportedly decreases the amount of space needed at the headend. The ION-U also is said to support multiple operators, frequency bands and air interface technologies in one unified, low and high power system.
“The Panthers’ took a leading role in designing and driving these major network upgrades at Bank of America Stadium, highlighting a trend we are seeing at stadiums throughout the U.S. and Europe,” Ben Cardwell, SVP, CommScope Mobility Solutions, says. “Ensuring a premiere fan experience, speeding the deployment process and making upgrades and optimization easier are some of the benefits of venues taking greater control of their networks.”
