Distributed antenna system and Wi-Fi provider Boingo Wireless has been selected by the Hawaii Tourism Authority to design, build, operate and maintain a neutral host cellular and public safety DAS network for the Hawaii Convention Center (HCC).
In a release, the company said that the 10-year agreement will bring improved cellular coverage and capacity to the 1.1 million square foot facility and help HCC accommodate connectivity demands of the 5G era.
“Boingo is pleased to add HCC to our growing DAS portfolio of premier convention centers, airports, stadiums and transportation hubs,” said Doug Lodder, senior vice president, general manager of carrier services at Boingo. “Our 5G-ready, neutral host approach will allow for multiple carriers to access the DAS network, keeping more visitors and staff connected to enhance the guest experience.”
The Hawaii Tourism Authority chose Boingo for its technical and operational expertise. The company’s contract with HCC adds to its DAS and Wi-Fi footprint in Hawaii, which covers five major airports, including Daniel K. Inouye International (HNL) and Kahului Airport (OGG), three military bases and a multifamily community.
Located in the Waikiki neighborhood of Honolulu, HCC can accommodate up to 13,000 event attendees. There are 47 meeting rooms, a 200,000 square foot exhibit hall, two-tiered seating theaters, a 35,000 square foot ballroom and 2.5-acre landscaped rooftop terrace. Boingo’s DAS network will help ensure consumer connectivity and first responder communications for the entire event space.
Revenue from the distributed antenna system (DAS) segment accounted for 37% of Boingo Wireless’ overall revenue in the first quarter of the year, up from a contribution of 36% in the year-ago period, CFO Peter Hovenier previously said during a conference call with investors.
DAS revenue totaled $22.2 million in Q1 2020, down 7.9% compared to the first quarter of last year. Total DAS revenue was comprised of $14 million of build-out project revenue and $8.2 million of access fee revenue.
The company added 1,400 new DAS nodes in the quarter, bringing its total DAS nodes live to 39,500. In addition, Boingo added one new DAS venue to its backlog for a total of 61 DAS venues in backlog.
