The Circuit of The Americas (COTA), is hosting a Formula 1 race October 21-23 in Austin, at a 1,500-acre world-class motorsports and entertainment venue. To continue speeding ahead with Formula 1 racing, the event planners announced the choice of ExteNet Systems to deploy fiber and the latest in 5G wireless technology to meet the upcoming connectivity demands generated by the race and its followers.
As an ongoing partner of COTA, the long-term contract grants ExteNet exclusive access, installation, and operating rights at COTA to provide increased coverage and capacity throughout the expansive venue. As the incumbent services provider, ExteNet will upgrade all existing fiber infrastructure to support the latest networking technologies, upgrading node locations to increase coverage and capacity while expanding the radio network to support the newest licensed 5G bands, as well as the Citizens Broadband Radio Service used for private wireless networking. The move is designed to allow COTA to continue building toward its goal of delivering the best holistic fan experience in sports and entertainment.
“COTA provides their fans significant connectivity at their racetrack, and our planned improvements will increase the ability to support faster downloads, as well as an increasing number of connected devices on-site,” said Monnie McGaffigan, ExteNet Systems CRO. “Over 400,000 visitors attend Formula 1 Grand Prix®, and we want to ensure our infrastructure supports their loyal fans.”
COTA opened in 2012, and became home to a 3.4-mile racing track, the first and only purpose-built Grand Prix facility in the United States for Formula 1 and other prestigious racing events. The 1,500-acre campus also houses the award-winning Germania Insurance Amphitheater, COTA Karting, expansive meeting and hospitality spaces, and an iconic 25-story observation tower that offers 360-degree views of the circuit and downtown Austin.
“Our facility has developed beyond a world-class racetrack into an entertainment powerhouse, with the growing number of visitors and mobile devices on the property requiring an even more powerful network to provide seamless processes and services,” said Mark Pannes, Circuit of The Americas President for Strategy and Corporate Growth. “As a longtime partner, ExteNet has continuously proven their capabilities are among the most innovative, and their infrastructure is unobtrusive to the fan experience.”
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