Sears Tower is expected to soon become one of the first commercial office buildings in the United States to have an in-building wireless system throughout, improving service for wireless phones and allowing for Wi-Fi computer access in offices on all floors of the skyscraper.
Sears Tower owner MetLife, on behalf of its affiliate Metropolitan Insurance and Annuity Co., has announced that an agreement has been reached with InnerWireless Inc., giving the in-building wireless systems and services company the right to market the Sears Tower system to wireless service providers. As agreements are reached with the wireless carriers, InnerWireless will install a neutral host system throughout the 110-story building.
The InnerMobilesystem from InnerWireless simultaneously supports cellular and PCS voice and data; paging; 2-way radio for applications such as building maintenance, operations and security; wireless LAN for high-speed data; as well as fire, life and safety communications that are vital to all first-responder emergency services.
“You don’t have to be very high in a skyscraper to experience problems with wireless reception. It’s a common complaint from employees in many downtown buildings,” said Stephen Budorick, senior vice president of the central region for Trizec Properties, which manages the Sears Tower. “This solution would allow people in Sears Tower to make a call from their office, get on the elevator to go downstairs and walk out the front door of the building, without ever losing the call.”
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