AT&T Enhances Mobile Broadband Coverage at Wayne State University
DETROIT -- As part of its continuing network investment to support growing demand for advanced wireless devices and services, AT&T announced that it has expanded its mobile broadband coverage at Wayne State University by completing the installation of a new Distributed Antenna System (DAS) in its Student Center Building.
"The effect was immediately noticed by our students," said Joseph Sawasky, CIO at Wayne State. "The Student Center Building is one of the busiest buildings on campus, and the DAS definitely helps our students stay connected to their friends and family, as well as with Wayne State's systems."
A DAS installation consists of several strategically placed antennas that distribute AT&T's wireless network coverage providing for more efficient management of wireless capacity in heavily trafficked areas. DAS has the ability to provide enhanced 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 additional capacity is expected to help improve call reliability and enable more consistent network access to help customers make the most of their AT&T devices.
"We want our customers to have a great network experience whatever they're doing – whether that's making a call, checking e-mail, downloading apps or surfing the Internet," said Brian Ducharme, vice president and general manager for AT&T in Michigan and Indiana. "We're committed to our investment in the local wireless network, and providing enhanced wireless coverage at Wayne State is just one way that we're investing in Detroit."
AT&T's mobile broadband network is based on the 3rd Generation Partnership Project (3GPP) family of technologies that includes GSM and UMTS, the most widely used wireless network platforms in the world. AT&T has the best international coverage of any U.S. wireless provider, providing access to voice service in more than 225 countries and data service in more than 200 countries.
AT&T also operates the nation's largest Wi-Fi network with more than 29,000 hotspots in the U.S. and provides access to nearly 190,000 hotspots globally through roaming agreements. Most AT&T smartphone customers get access to our entire national Wi-Fi network at no additional cost, and Wi-Fi usage doesn't count against customers' monthly wireless data plans.
AT&T recently launched "Focus: Detroit," which provides visitors a peek into AT&T's wireless network enhancements made since the beginning of the year. Enhancements include new cell sites, broadband speed upgrades, capacity upgrades and network connection upgrades. The site also provides a map of area AT&T stores, a map of area Wi-Fi hotspots, useful tips, a localized Twitter handle and device reviews. You can visit the site at http://focus.att.com/market/detroit.
