Boosting Gym Connectivity for an Elite Member Experience & Smooth Operation
The City of Allen Recreation Center aims to inspire healthy living with diverse fitness and recreational activities for all ages. Their unique amenities create a premium experience for individuals and families alike. However, poor in-building cellular coverage led to dissatisfied members and operational challenges.
THE PROBLEM
Unreliable Connectivity Disrupts Gains and Workflow
While cellular reception was reliable outside the facility, once employees or members walked inside, connectivity significantly dropped. Some areas were total dead zones. The building’s metal roof, stone exterior walls, and low-E windows acted as barriers, severely hindering cellular reception and coverage.
Staff struggled with delayed check-ins, forcing manual workarounds which led to longer lines and frustrated members during peak hours. Communication between team members was unreliable, complicating coordination, especially during busy periods. For members, fitness apps and music services frequently failed, disrupting workouts and diminishing the premium experience the rec center aimed to provide. The lack of reliable cell service also raised safety concerns. Thus, the City of Allen turned to Bolton Install Pros for a lasting solution.
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Our Off-Air Hybrid DAS Process
Consultation
- 30 Minutes
- We listen to all your signal pain points to identify the best solution for you.
Survey
- 1 Day
- Our signal experts visit your site to analyze signal environment and building layout.
- 3 to 4 Days
- Using iBwave, we design a custom system that meets your specific needs.
Review
- 1 Week
- We present our proposal for approval. It includes equipment recommendations, cost, and deployment plan.
Installation
- 2 to 4 Days
- Our certified in-house installer deploy your solution.
THE SOLUTION
WilsonPro Zinwave Hybrid DAS
We worked very closely with the City of Allen to understand their connectivity needs. They were looking for a wall-to-wall signal-boosting solution to enhance T-Mobile, Verizon, and AT&T reception throughout their two-story, 149,000 sq ft recreation center. Our team visited the facility to conduct a thorough site survey, which consists of taking outdoor/indoor signal strength readings and identifying potential installation challenges.
Based on the results and their specific needs, we recommended and designed a custom WilsonPro Zinwave Hybrid DAS. The architecture of this solution offers the robust, flexible coverage the City of Allen was seeking to ensure reliable connectivity at every corner.
It captures outdoor cellular signals via three directional donor antennas (each tuned to a specific carrier) connected to a bi-directional WilsonPro 4330R cell phone signal booster. Captured T-Mobile, Verizon, and AT&T signals are distributed throughout the building using Zinwave’s Unitivity 5000 DAS equipment. Fiber-based, it efficiently transmits the strongest, highest quality signal, maximizing connectivity. 30 strategically placed low-profile indoor antennas provide comprehensive multi-carrier coverage throughout the facility.
THE RESULTS
Happy Members & Smooth Operation
The member service desk area was one of the main critical areas needing dependable connectivity, as poor signal frequently caused check-in issues. These disruptions increased guest frustration and complicated workflow.
Prior to installation, signal strength in that area averaged -109 dBm for T-Mobile, -118 dBm for Verizon, and -134.5 dBm for AT&T. Post installation, signal strength dramatically increased to -78.7 dBm for T-Mobile, -77.3 dBm for Verizon, and -87 dBm for AT&T. In service bar speak, that's approximately an increase of 0-2 bars to 4-5 bars.
Similar results were achieved throughout the recreation center.
Service Desk Area
Open Fitness Area
Classrooms & Catering Kitchen
Members now enjoy uninterrupted access to fitness apps, real-time streaming for workout routines, and faster check-ins, while staff experience seamless communication and operational efficiency.
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