Circuit of the Americas, or COTA, is the home to a 3.4-mile racing track and hosts Formula 1 and other prestigious racing events in Austin, Texas. The 1,500-acre campus, with its amphitheater, hospitality spaces and observation tower, was seen as a unique project opportunity for Extenet Systems, owner of LTE (News - Alert)/5G and fiber neutral host communications infrastructure solutions.
Extenet announced it will provide new 5G cellular and private wireless network infrastructure to improve coverage and capacity at 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.
"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."
ExteNet will upgrade existing fiber infrastructure to support the latest networking technologies. This will upgrade 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 to support private wireless networking.
""As a longtime partner, ExteNet has continuously proven their capabilities are among the most innovative, and their infrastructure is unobtrusive to the fan experience," said Mark Pannes, Circuit of The Americas president for strategy and corporate growth.
The partnership will allow COTA to continue building toward its goal of delivering one of the best holistic fan experiences in sports and entertainment.