AT&T's COWs at the Preakness
Maybe you've been to a large event where cellphone reception has been spotty due to the huge crowds.
Many large venues, such as sports stadiums, are nowadays working with telecom companies to add fixed gear that helps with cellphone communications traffic.
Wireless companies also have more mobile technology that they can deploy on the spot, to boost cellular transmissions. Meet AT&T's "COW" -- or cell sites on wheels. The company has deployed two of them to Pimlico Race Course, in preparation for the huge crowds tomorrow during the Preakness. Upwards of 100,000 are expected to attend -- and many will have smartphones that will stretch the capacity of wireless networks.
The COWs are in addition to the free Wi-Fi network that the Maryland Jockey Club is deploying during the event.
So, if you're planning to use your iPhone or Android, for instance, to play with the Preakness's smartphone app, during the day, hopefully you won't experience any delays or glitches.
Here's the AT&T COW in a Pimlico parking lot:
Photo courtesy of AT&T Wireless
This is an archived version of the technology blog. For updated coverage, see the current baltTech location: baltimoresun.com/balttech
Categories: East Coast, Events (Baltimore area), Gadgets, Wireless
