AT&T Boosting Tampa Bay Mobile Coverage For College Football Playoff National Championship

TAMPA, FL – When Tampa was awarded the 2016 College Football Playoff National Championship game, Hillsborough County Commissioner Ken Hagen said the event would be a boost to the economy and the local workforce.

With three weeks to go until the three-day event kicks off, AT&T announced that it also boosted its mobile internet coverage throughout the Tampa Bay area. The improvements are part of an ongoing investment to support growing demand for wireless devices and services.

AT&T deployed two Cell on Wheels to keep fans connected throughout the Bay area. The COWs will help improve reliability and data speeds as the event runs through Monday, Jan. 9.

At Raymond James Stadium, AT&T upgrade its Distributed Antenna System. THE DAS consists of multiple strategically-placed antennas that distribute the AT&T wireless network coverage throughout a large venue. The antennas manage the wireless capability in heavily-trafficked areas.

AT&T invested more than $9 million in the area, resulting in a 400 percent boost in LTE capacity.

“Those cheering on their favorite team need better, more consistent coverage,” said Joe York, president of AT&T Florida. “We want customers to have a great network experience no matter what they’re doing – making a call, checking email or sharing their favorite moments on social media.”

Aside from Raymond James Stadium, AT&T upgraded or installed eight new DAS throughout the Tampa Bay area in hotels, arenas and other venues. The company also upgraded the DAS at the Tampa Convention Center, where the three-day Playoff Fan Central will take place.

AT&T also added or enhanced 20 cell sites across the bay area for the game.

“Many of our network enhancements in Tampa Bay for the College Football National Championship are permanent and will continue to benefit customers after,” York said. “It’s just one way we’re continuing to invest in our Tampa Bay area wireless network.”

Between 2013 and 2015, AT&T invested nearly $120 million in Tampa Bay area wireless and wired networks.

Image via Jennifer Snyder, Flickr, used under Creative Commons