Geoverse Launches CBRS Neutral Host Trial at the Caribe Royale Resort in Orlando, an Industry First

Rhea-AI Summary

Geoverse is set to deploy a pilot for a CBRS based neutral host network at the Caribe Royale Orlando, enhancing cellular coverage across the resort. This venue, the largest all-suites property in Central Florida, seeks to improve guest experiences through reliable connectivity. The neutral host solution offers advantages over traditional systems, including cost efficiency and flexibility. The partnership aims to integrate private cellular services with existing Wi-Fi to boost operational efficiency and connectivity for guests and staff alike.

Positive

• Deployment of a CBRS based neutral host network to enhance connectivity at Caribe Royale Orlando.
• Caribe Royale is undergoing a $127 million renovation, adding a 50,000-square-foot grand ballroom and improving infrastructure.
• Geoverse recognized for proven results in previous deployments, indicating strong expertise.

Negative

• None.

Major Orlando Hotel and Convention Center seeks improved coverage across the property via its own Private Cellular Network

BELLEVUE, Wash.--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- Geoverse, a leading provider of private cellular solutions for property owners and enterprises, today announced that it will deploy a pilot for a CBRS based neutral host network with Caribe Royale Orlando, a luxury resort and major event center in Orlando, FL.

Caribe Royal is the largest all-suites property in Central Florida with more than 1,300 suites and 220,000 square feet of meeting and convention space for hosting large numbers of visitors and events each year. They continue to seek out ways to continue improving the guest experience and ultimately to be positioned as a premier meetings and conventions venue in Orlando. As a result, Caribe Royale will deploy a private cellular network from Geoverse that includes support of a Citizens Broadband Radio Service (CBRS)-based neutral host capability. Caribe Royale is leveraging Geoverse and this trial to help them drive their strategy around delivering enhanced connectivity across the expansive property to not only serve guests and staff, but also to introduce new use cases.

A neutral host solution, simply explained, is a single wireless network that can support or “host” users from multiple wireless carriers so that any carrier customer can have reliable connectivity and a quality online experience at that venue. These solutions operate today at thousands of properties that see a variety and volume of users including Hotels, Sports Venues, Commercial Office Spaces, Hospitals, Universities, Airports, and more. Additionally, a CBRS based neutral host can offer substantial benefits vs. legacy Distributed Antenna System (DAS) based approaches.

This CBRS based-neutral host model bypasses traditional deployment challenges often experienced with the solutions from the carriers or other 3^rd party operators (3PO) by offering some unique advantages around cost and simplicity, without sacrificing functionality. By using CBRS with the right partner like Geoverse, customers can gain independence from typical extended rollout schedules, solution complexity, and related costs of the legacy-carrier-sourced, DAS-based neutral hosts typically deployed in the past.

And since the solution utilizes CBRS, it also becomes a viable platform for securely serving staff operations, and even connecting large numbers of wireless devices and sensors as these properties also look to automate their in-house building management systems and operations. There are many use cases for this one network, which can be tailored to the venue and community it supports for a highly secure and quality connected experience.

As part of this trial, Geoverse will start by providing indoor coverage at the resort’s expansive convention center. In addition, Caribe Royale and Geoverse are cooperating to augment and complement the existing Wi-Fi footprint, to eventually operate as one hybrid wireless network.

Geoverse recognizes the role of Wi-Fi and understands the value of delivering an architecture that accommodates both private cellular and Wi-Fi, operating together.

According to Chet Patel, Director of Innovation and Technology at the Caribe Royale, “As a major destination for meetings and leisure travel, we recognize the overwhelming need to ensure all our visitors can easily and automatically get connected anywhere across the resort, and by deploying this new service platform, we expect this will not only address this need, but also open the door to opportunities around new use cases that help deliver a better guest experience.”

Currently, Caribe Royale has their own Wi-Fi network in-house for connecting guests, and an indoor DAS supporting a single carrier for cellular coverage in select areas, as it was recognized that a dedicated indoor network was necessary for delivering any kind of reliable cellular connectivity. However, since not all carriers utilize the DAS, the resulting coverage from other carriers offers a very mixed experience which became one of the drivers to expand the indoor network with a new neutral host.

With the need to accommodate volumes of voice and SMS services in addition to secure high-speed data connectivity, and to eventually take advantage of the emergence of 5G, cellular based wireless services increasingly are necessary.

Chief Commercial Officer at Geoverse Bob Gault said that Caribe Royale Orlando was attracted to Geoverse’s expertise in designing, deploying, and managing in-building wireless systems while working closely with building owners and mobile network operators in a variety of areas and disciplines. They were also impressed with the company’s results at 7 Cedars Hotel and Casino. “Harnessing the power of a Private Cellular network will help Caribe Royale drive outcomes and end-user experiences to new levels, and that will allow them to better serve their customers,” said Gault.

Since private cellular networks can deliver high-quality wireless service and support more than just a single operator or use case, larger venues are starting to demonstrate a willingness to invest in these platforms because of the many proven benefits they offer. The hospitality and entertainment industry is just one sector where a neutral host can significantly boost business and operations across a number of fronts. Property owners, communities and municipalities, healthcare, ports and more are building and leaning on private cellular networks to maximize coverage and introduce the next wave of new use cases to help transform their business.

About Caribe Royale Orlando Hotel

Located just minutes from the Walt Disney World® Resort in the nation’s number one convention and tourist destination, Caribe Royale Orlando is the area’s largest all-suite convention hotel. A TripAdvisor 2021 Travelers’ Choice Award winner -- among just 10 percent of hotels worldwide to receive the distinction -- the upscale Caribe Royale is in the midst of a $127 million renovation that includes fully remodeling all of its one-bedroom suites, an all-new 50,000-square-foot grand ballroom (bringing the total meeting space to 220,000 square feet), and an inviting new lobby. Being privately-owned, Caribe Royale offers meeting planners faster approval cycles and more flexibility to create stand-out events. To learn more visit www.cariberoyale.com.

About Geoverse

Geoverse is a private cellular networks solutions provider, providing advanced CBRS and cellular connectivity for enterprises, property owners, and communities. The company’s private 5G/LTE solutions— leveraging Citizens Broadband Radio Service (CBRS) and licensed LTE— interconnect with both national and global mobile operators, delivering a private network without borders. The solutions deliver advanced wireless services securely, connecting users and devices while enabling new opportunities and use cases. Geoverse, the largest Neutral Host operator in the U.S., is a subsidiary of ATN International (NASDAQ: ATNI), which has more than 30 years of experience building and managing cellular networks serving enterprises, carriers, and consumers. www.geoverse.io

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20211117005588/en/

Calysto for Geoverse

Justine Schneider

404-266-2060 x507

jschneider@calysto.com

Source: Geoverse

FAQ

What is the significance of Geoverse's pilot network at Caribe Royale Orlando?

The pilot network aims to enhance cellular coverage and improve guest experience at Caribe Royale Orlando by providing reliable connectivity.

How does the CBRS based neutral host network benefit Caribe Royale Orlando?

It offers cost efficiency, simplicity, and flexibility compared to traditional systems, supporting multiple carriers for better service.

What is the estimated renovation cost of Caribe Royale Orlando?

Caribe Royale Orlando is undergoing a $127 million renovation to enhance its facilities.

What are the features of the neutral host solution being implemented?

The neutral host solution allows for a single wireless network to support multiple carriers, ensuring reliable connectivity for all users.

What enhances the partnership between Geoverse and Caribe Royale Orlando?

Geoverse's expertise in deploying in-building wireless systems and the ongoing $127 million renovation at Caribe Royale enhance their collaboration.