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Hip-hop artist Nelly performs as the opening act at Van Andel Arena on Saturday, May 30, 2015.
(File photo | Mlive Media Group)
GRAND RAPIDS, MI - The Van Andel Arena is about to lose its status as a dead zone for cellular phones and Wi-Fi devices.
The Grand Rapids Kent County Convention and Arena Authority approved a contract with Boingo Wireless Inc. to install a cellular antenna network designed to provide free cellular coverage for sports fans and concert-goers.
Boingo director of sales John Bergeron said the network should be live within the next four months as the company signs carriers and installs the equipment.
"This is going to safely handle 10,000 to 12,000 calls at a time," Bergeron said. "When you walk in, your phone is going to work just like any other place it works."
Another vendor is installing a separate Wi-Fi system this week, said Jim Dunn, facilities manager for SMG, the arena's management firm. Unlike the cellular network, the Wi-Fi system may be turned on or off during concerts or sporting events, he said.
Neither system will impose charges to the customer, Bergeron said. Carriers will bear the cost of the service as part of their strategies to remain competitive, he said.
Boingo will pay the arena authority a minimum of $800,000 over the life of the 10-year contract. As carriers sign on, those fees could generate up to $900,000.
Jim Harger covers business for MLive/Grand Rapids Press. Email him at jharger@mlive.com or follow him on Twitter or Facebook or Google+.