T-Mobile makes big 5G upgrades in the Big Easy before the Big Game

Not everybody needs gigabit mobile download speeds, although that’s certainly an interesting selling point of 5G connectivity. As T-Mobile’s recent New Orleans infrastructure work exemplifies, the latest cell network technology can have real-world benefits other than just absurdly high bandwidth. The carrier just completed several upgrades to the network, including temporary measures near the stadium, and permanent enhancements throughout the city (Source).

In related news, we’ve been informed that, due to the lack of an Official Android News Outlet of the NFL, we are actually allowed to use the term “Super Bowl.” The only question that raises is, “What are you waiting for, Goodell? Android Police is right here.”

Tackling the crowds with Ultra Capacity 5G

T-Mobile’s ground game helping users connect through the air

It’s not obvious, but this T-Mobile tower transmits both 4G LTE and 5G signals.

Mitigating network congestion arguably poses more difficulty, and stands to benefit users more, than considerations like blazing-fast top speeds. That’s not to say peak bandwidth doesn’t matter; T-Mobile did upgrade cell sites surrounding New Orleans’ Superdome to provide nearly a gigabit in throughput for aggressive mobile data needs.

But most people will notice — or, if it works as planned, not notice — improvements like enhanced indoor distribution antennas within the arena itself. When 4G ruled the roost, even the wheel-in auxiliary cell towers placed around a football stadium had trouble keeping up. There was no chance for thousands of users to successfully stream the latest Super Bowl halftime show wardrobe malfunction in Full HD.

The latest upgrades are meant to change that. If anybody actually shows up to the 74,000-seat Superdome to watch the Chiefs and Eagles play what they’re calling Super Bowl LIX, none of them will need to worry about their streamed videos dropping out. Although they’ll probably still need to watch out for the NFL copyright-striking any footage of the actual game.

Giving a great city even greater connectivity

Sorry, wrong football.

Naturally, Super Bowl attendees will want to enjoy the wide variety of what New Orleans has to offer. T-Mobile also paid special attention to the iconic French Quarter, increasing capacity and speed of both downloads and uploads. Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport also saw important work done, so T-Mo travelers there won’t ever have to worry about dropped calls or slow browsing. And no more need to hassle with airport Wi-Fi.

The entire operation is just one part of the un-carrier’s promised $290 million splashout on Louisiana cell infrastructure. On top of improving tourism and business travel experiences in Nawlins with significant improvements to reception in its convention center and hotel blocks, the company is working on expanding major cities’ 5G coverage areas, and bringing 5G support to regions once locked far out of the next-gen technology.

As a beautiful region with a powerful culture and community matched only by challenging climate and weather events, ensuring consistent mobile connectivity and the constant ability to reliably share content like livestreamed videos seems like a good idea. Whether you’re tracking a nearby supercell storm or archiving a one-of-a-kind live Bourbon Street performance, T-Mobile’s continued network upgrades should help you do so without interruption.