Extenet, a DigitalBridge Group (NYSE: DBRG) portfolio company, which has been designing wireless networks for Las Vegas since 2008, shifted into high gear last weekend providing connectivity for the Formula 1® Heineken Silver Las Vegas Grand Prix 2023. The wireless and fiber solutions provider had deployed hundreds of extra nodes, including extra small cells and fiber to the capacity needed for the multitude of fans attending the event.
“In anticipation of the Formula One event, we worked with our in-building wireless partners, as well as the wireless carriers in the market,” said Jeff Alexander, SVP of Field Operations at Extenet. “In cooperation with them, we came up with a good plan to expand the capacity of the networks in the area, and increase the coverage in locations where maybe it was a little weak.”
Along with AT&T, Verizon and T-Mobile, Extenet has been working with Tata Communications, which provides broadcast and connectivity for Formula One. CBRS, C-band, and a significant amount of millimeter wave spectrum were included in the deployments.
The work ensured connectivity around the 3.8-mile track, which weaved through iconic landmarks, hotels and casinos where the race cars can reach speeds up to 212 mph. But Extenet is also very busy increasing coverage across the city, covering hospitality venues and Allegiant Stadium in advance of Super Bowl LVIII, set for February 11, 2024.
In September of last year, Extenet announced its partnership with MGM Resorts International (NYSE: MGM) to design, build and operate advanced in-building signal and connectivity solutions across all MGM properties throughout the U.S. Nowhere is that agreement more evident than Las Vegas.
“MGM Resorts has been very keen to make sure that all their venues here in Las Vegas are ready for all the fans,” said Alexander. “The team has accomplished a Herculean effort, replacing literally all of the indoor networks at the MGM Resorts properties, as well as the outdoor team strengthening and increasing the capacity all around, up and down, the strip.”
Extenet combined the work that it was doing for the Formula One race with the networks that needed to be deployed in preparation for the Super Bowl into one giant project.
By J. Sharpe Smith, Inside Towers Technology Editor
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