[April 03, 2009] ExteNet Systems Launches DAS Networks Tweet Apr 02, 2009 (Close-Up Media via COMTEX) -- ExteNet Systems has launched two distributed antenna system (DAS) networks that span across the cities of Mt. Vernon and Yonkers, New York. The two wireless networks share one base station and more than 90 miles of newly installed fiber optic cable. The networks provide wireless coverage for the two cities in southern Westchester County with more than a quarter of a million residents. "MetroPCS has launched the largest DAS network in the U.S., in the New York market, which allows our customers to gain wireless coverage in areas that otherwise may be hard to reach with traditional network equipment," said Dan Olmetti, vice president and general manager for MetroPCS' New York market. "ExteNet Systems' contribution to Metro PCS' overall DAS network in Yonkers and Mt. Vernon significantly improves in-building coverage and further enhances Metro PCS' low cost, flat-rate unlimited wireless service." "Wireless service providers are working hard to meet customer demand, and they are rightfully interested in working with companies that create strong partnerships with communities and jurisdictions," said Laura Altschul, vice president of ExteNet Systems. "The permit process and the collaborative work with the cities of Mt. Vernon and Yonkers took less than one year. Once approvals were granted, it took a swift 60 days to install these two networks." Distributed antenna systems are often mounted at the tops and sides of telephone poles and light poles, which make them ideal for improving wireless phone reception in residential neighborhoods. More than 90 percent of the nodes on the Yonkers and Mt. Vernon networks are small whip antennas mounted at the top of telephone poles that weigh less than five pounds. ExteNet Systems and its carrier partner, MetroPCS, participated in a number of hearings and meetings to educate the public about the demand for strong wireless coverage - and the benefits. With more than 80 percent of American households now using wireless mobile phones, many wireless service providers are enhancing and expanding their network capabilities to include better and faster connectivity for voice and data. Increasingly, mobile phone users rely on their phones for personal and public safety reasons. "The almost unanimous approval of the ExteNet Systems DAS network by the Yonkers City Council was partly the result of hard work by ExteNet Systems," said Yonkers City Council President Chuck Lesnick. "This is one more example where city leadership, community engagement and business participation achieved an agreement that benefits our residents." ((Comments on this story may be sent to [email protected])) [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ]