Comcast Business tapped to build private wireless network for the University of Virginia
Comcast Business has deployed its Private Wireless Network solution at the University of Virginia (UVA) in Charlottesville, VA, marking its growing presence in the burgeoning in-building wireless market.
Developed in collaboration with Druid Software and Airspan Networks, this new offering integrates directly with cellular operators and enhances wireless connectivity for students, faculty, and visitors.
One notable aspect of the new wireless system is that it uses Citizens Broadband Radio Service (CBRS) Spectrum to provide high-performance cellular voice and data service in areas with high traffic and challenging indoor environments.
Operating as a Neutral Host network, Comcast’s Private Wireless Network supports multiple wireless carriers and service providers, for seamless connectivity for all mobile users on UVA Grounds, regardless of their carrier.
Multi-carrier focus
With Multi-Operator Core Network (MOCN) capabilities, this solution ensures that users experience reliable access for voice, data, and video applications across a broad range of devices.
Leveraging cloud infrastructure and advanced wireless equipment allows the solution to scale easily to meet UVA’s growing bandwidth needs.
What is DAS?
A Distributed Antenna System (DAS) is a network of antennas strategically placed throughout a building or area to enhance wireless coverage and capacity. DAS systems improve cellular and other wireless signals, enabling strong connections in buildings and areas where standard signals might be weak or blocked. DAS systems are used in various settings, including large buildings (hospitals, stadiums, airports), tunnels, metro stations, and construction sites.
Comcast claims it can deliver this solution at a low cost as an affordable alternative to traditional Distributed Antenna System (DAS) networks. The service provider could cite the UVM deployment as a case study for other large campuses or sites looking to improve wireless capabilities.
“Comcast’s Private Wireless Network solution delivers exactly that – seamless, reliable connectivity and wireless services, regardless of the device or carrier being used,” said Kelly Doney, VP and Chief Information Officer at UVA.
What is CBRS?
CBRS (Citizens Broadband Radio Service) operates in the 3.5- to 3.7 GHz frequency band for wireless broadband services. The US military and satellite ground stations previously used this spectrum. Now, the FCC has made it available to wireless providers and enterprises for various applications, including private LTE networks and enhancing public 4G/5G services.
Comcast’s wireless vision
Wireless has continued to be a key element in Comcast’s multi-service vision.
As it looked to find ways to build a 5G wireless strategy, Comcast acquired wireless spectrum in the CBRS and 600 MHz bands as a key building block to host even more data traffic on its own wireless networks.
Since Xfinity Mobile launched in 2017 and Comcast Business Mobile debuted in 2021, wireless has become a growing segment for both the company’s consumer and business segments. Following successful employee tests of the CBRS spectrum, Xfinity Mobile and Comcast Business Mobile customers in Philadelphia started connecting to their own 5G network in September 2023.
Evidence of its work in wireless was seen in the first quarter.
During the provider's first-quarter earnings call, Michael Cavanagh, president of Comcast, said it saw continued growth in its wireless base.
“We accelerated wireless net line additions to 323,000 in the quarter, both an improvement year-over-year and sequentially, bringing our total wireless lines to 8.1 million,” he said.
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Sean Buckley
Sean is responsible for establishing and executing the editorial strategies of Lightwave and Broadband Technology Report across their websites, email newsletters, events, and other information products.