LOUISVILLE, Ky., – AT&T* and Mobilitie have expanded mobile Internet coverage at Churchill Downs by upgrading the Distributed Antenna System (DAS) to improve the customer experience at the venue.
“We’re investing in Kentucky so all Kentuckians have a great network experience no matter what they’re doing – whether that’s making a call, checking email, downloading apps or surfing the Internet,” said Hood Harris, president, AT&T Kentucky. “As the crowds converge on Churchill Downs, our network will be ready to provide that robust connectivity that we are committed to providing in communities across the Commonwealth.”
AT&T has upgraded the antenna system at the venue to give customers a better mobile experience. They can share the most exciting moments during the Derby weekend with friends and family, from the opening of the gates to the thrill of the final Horse race at the Kentucky Oaks and Kentucky Derby.
“Whether through phone calls, emails, texts, tweets, or posts, our fans will benefit from this enhanced connectivity as they share their victories in real time with friends and family around the world,” said John Asher, vice president of Racing Communications at Churchill Downs.
“This is a great example of the investments that we will see of now that our leaders in Frankfort are improving the regulatory environment in Kentucky,” said Kent Oyler, president and CEO of Greater Louisville, Inc. “High-speed wired and wireless connectivity is important for businesses and individuals and I know Derby fans will take full advantage of that connectivity this week.”
A DAS installation consists of multiple strategically-placed antennas that distribute AT&T’s wireless network coverage throughout Churchill Downs, which helps provide stronger wireless coverage in heavily trafficked areas. DAS has the ability to provide enhanced, consistent wireless coverage to customers in indoor or outdoor spaces where geographical limitations – terrain, building construction, etc. – or crowd density might otherwise prevent an optimal wireless experience.
“The DAS network at Churchill Downs is one of the largest and most advanced wireless networks in sports,” said Christos Karmis, president of Mobilitie, which built and currently operates the neutral host DAS network. “Last year, our network supported record data traffic usage to all 260,000 fans in attendance. This year, we have upgraded the network even more in preparation for the Derby weekend. We are looking forward to another successful network performance this year, and ultimately, allowing fans to share special moments seamlessly with friends and family wherever they are, and whenever they want during their day at the races.”
The DAS installation at Churchill Downs is part of AT&T’s larger efforts to support its customers’ growing desire for high-quality, fast wireless and wired services. To accomplish this, AT&T is deploying small cell technology, macro cells and additional DAS, which will strengthen our wireless network, further improving our customers’ mobile experience.
DAS technology helps improve the mobile Internet experience by shortening the distance a request must travel. The additional capacity also is expected to help improve call reliability, boost data traffic capacity and provide more consistent network access to help customers make the most of their AT&T devices.
