JMA Wireless and ExteNet deployed a mid-band 5G network at Tom Benson Hall of Fame Stadium in Canton, Ohio, that enabled download speeds of more than 600 megabits per second (Mbps), all while the 23,300-seat stadium was full of fans.
JMA’s distributed antenna system (DAS) is getting credit for the feat. DAS systems are often deployed in stadiums, where they can be used as neutral host systems to serve more than one wireless carrier at once.
In a press release earlier this week, JMA said its DAS was deployed in the stadium in 2018 by ExteNet, which acted as the neutral-host provider. According to JMA, there was no additional cost, labor or modifications necessary to support the network’s upgrade to multi-carrier 5G.
“JMA’s TEKO DAS is the only DAS capable of supporting 5G-midband networks with this degree of performance and efficiency,” JMA declared.
According to JMA, once the 5G network was up and running in the Hall of Fame Stadium, speed tests consistently showed performance of over 600 Mbps during the game. The network allowed “tens of thousands” of fans to get the benefits of high-speed 5G simultaneously.
“This historic first is a powerful demonstration of what’s possible for thousands of venues across the country where JMA’s TEKO DAS is deployed. With its high performance and unique band capability, TEKO DAS is 5G-ready and future-proof, making it easy for venues to upgrade to 5G, with no additional investment or new equipment,” said Todd Landry, corporate vice president, Product and Market Strategy at JMA Wireless, in a statement.
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“Getting the network ready for the 2021 season inaugural game was our priority and we are extremely pleased with the 5G performance on game day at the stadium,” said Kevin Gallagher, SVP, Product & Marketing for ExteNet, in a statement. “Together with JMA Wireless, our best-in-class wireless infrastructure and network operations enabled a superior fan experience, as evident from the throughput data for a major carrier.”
The press release didn’t name the carrier or list the exact spectrum band they’re using in this situation.