Who supported the Pope in Philadelphia?

MUMBAI, INDIA: This is a classic case of the amalgamation of technology with the spiritual.

Structured cabling company CommScope has announced that its FlexWave Prism distributed antenna system (DAS) deployed along the Benjamin Franklin Parkway in downtown Philadelphia supported massive crowds during the Pope Francis’s visit to the city September 26-27.

The company’s newly-installed DAS enabled attendees to enjoy cellular voice and data services during the event.

The deployment includes 70 pole-mounted remote units that deliver mobile coverage and capacity for the mobile operators. It provides 850 MHz, 1900 MHz, AWS, and 700 MHz frequencies to deliver 3G and 4G mobile services to tens of thousands of users who can text, tweet, phone, or send photos or videos.

CommScope’s CPRI Digital Interface Unit (CDIU) eliminates RF interface equipment in the head-end, delivering 80 percent savings in unneeded equipment, floor space and operating costs, including real estate and energy. Because of the digital architecture, the network transports wireless signals two kilometers from the head-end to the farthest remote unit.

“Mobile operators are densifying their networks for high-capacity crowds in cities, event centers and stadiums without the cost and time of adding new towers,” said Matt Melester, Senior Vice President and General Manager, Distributed Coverage and Capacity Solutions, CommScope.

While spurred by the Pope’s visit, the DAS deployment is a permanent amenity on Ben Franklin Parkway, which is home to many other concerts and events. This infrastructure investment will benefit festival attendees and residents for years to come.