Mid City Times

Hospitality Network, a Cox Business company and exclusive telecommunications provider for the Fort Worth Convention Center (FWCC), has announced an investment of $895,000 to upgrade the center's Wi-Fi network. This investment comes as construction has begun on a long-planned expansion of the convention center.

Since 2022, Hospitality Network (HN) and FWCC have been working together to enhance the guest experience at the center by providing reliable connectivity and flexible technology pricing. The City of Fort Worth has also contributed $317,000 towards the project by investing in optical fiber and HN's upgrades to 100 existing Wi-Fi access points.

Jady West, the vice president of HN, expressed their commitment to providing clients with top-notch infrastructure and cutting-edge equipment to stay competitive and profitable. West stated, "The upgrade at the FWCC demonstrates our commitment to provide our clients with the capital investments of infrastructure and cutting-edge equipment to remain ultra-competitive and profitable."

As part of the upgrade, HN will be adding 120 new access points in under-covered areas of the FWCC, including the exhibit hall space, meeting rooms, and the 10,000-seat arena. This will ensure better permanent Wi-Fi coverage throughout the convention center. HN has also made improvements to the positioning of the access points by lowering them to align with the height of the ceiling light fixtures. This adjustment eliminates interference from metal structures and improves connectivity for clients.

The bandwidth will also be increased from 500 Mbps to 2Gbps, providing faster and more reliable internet access. This upgrade will support livestreams, remote presentations, and event-specific apps, enhancing the overall experience for attendees.

Cynthia Serrano, the general manager of FWCC, praised HN for their extensive hospitality experience and technology expertise. Serrano stated, "HN's extensive hospitality experience and technology expertise is undeniable, but the white-glove service they provide as a partner is truly a game-changer. They performed a full review and assessment of our facility and provided much more than a one-to-one upgrade; they overdelivered, making additional improvements to ensure optimal coverage in all parts of our building."

Mike Crum, the director of the Fort Worth Public Events Department, emphasized the importance of meeting technology expectations in today's competitive market. Crum said, "Fast, convenient connectivity from anywhere is not a luxury now. It is viewed as a commodity. HN's expertise has already helped us remain competitive in attracting a diverse range of events, and their generous new investment in our infrastructure will give us best-in-class customer experience."

The Fort Worth Convention Center is currently undergoing a $95 million expansion project. With this investment in upgrading the Wi-Fi network, the convention center is well-prepared to meet the technology needs of its clients and guests.

The upgrade to the Wi-Fi network at the Fort Worth Convention Center is a significant step towards providing a seamless and enhanced experience for attendees. With improved connectivity, faster internet access, and optimal coverage throughout the facility, the convention center is positioning itself as a leading tech-driven venue in Texas.

For additional details, please follow this link: https://www.fortworthtexas.gov/news/2023/12/fwcc-wifi