SITA completes implementation of distributed antenna system throughout world’s busiest airport

The distributed antenna system is an optical-fiber based system that enables the distribution of wireless signals to remote locations and allows the more than 240,000 passengers that pass through Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport every day to have access to the highest quality wireless phone coverage throughout the entire airport including its transportation mall. The system consists of more than 700 individual antennas located throughout the airport providing wireless coverage to 5.8 million square-feet. The distributed antenna system is just one part of the entire wireless implementation project at the airport.

"Our vision at the Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport is to offer our passengers the best technology available to make their experience easy and hassle-free," said Atlanta airport General Manager Ben DeCosta. "Improving cell phone coverage throughout the airport is a great accomplishment and we are very excited to roll it out as part of Atlanta Mayor Shirley Franklin's Community Technology 'Digital City' initiative."

SITA's total solution for Atlanta includes the design and implementation of an airport-wide Wi-Fi and cellular wireless network, as well as management of the airport's new fiber, cellular and Wi-Fi network.

The SITA solution for Hartsfield-Jackson Airport covers three main areas:

1) A distributed antenna system that provides passengers with high quality cell phone coverage throughout the airport and transportation mall, regardless of the cell phone carrier.

2) A Wi-Fi system for the entire airport that provides Internet access for all passengers. Internet access is via a "neutral host" allowing the passengers the flexibility to choose their own Wireless Internet Service Provider. The wireless system supports data services, as well as voice and video. This secure system is also designed for use by the City of Atlanta Department of Aviation (DOA), the airlines, and airport tenants.

3) A fully-managed network operation center with DOA (airport) and SITA staff on site to provide ongoing operation, security and maintenance of the airport's fiber network and the wireless network.

With 86 million travelers having passed through Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International in 2005 and more than 55,000 airport employees, this cost-effective wireless solution will improve the passenger experience and allow travelers to access the internet and use their mobile phone anywhere in the airport.

"Working with Lance Lyttle and his staff at Hartsfield-Jackson has been a great honor," said SITA's Regional Vice President for North America, Hervé Muller. "This distributed antenna system was designed to be dynamic, and it can grow and change to work with new and emerging technologies. As Hartsfield-Jackson continues to expand and offer its customers the latest technology, the DAS will grow along with it."

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