Capacity and Coverage: Zayo Densifies Mobile Infrastructure Footprint in Minneapolis

Zayo Group Holdings, Inc. is working with four major wireless carriers to increase capacity to accommodate continued demand in the Minneapolis area.

These projects further enhance Zayo’s dense footprint in Minnesota, which includes more than 8,000 route miles across the state and more than 5,000 metropolitan route miles. Businesses in multiple sectors are leveraging this expanded network, with demand expected to continue.

The additional capacity will also meet the anticipated mobile traffic generated during Super Bowl 52. Last year’s Super Bowl in Houston, also supported by Zayo’s mobile infrastructure, broke the single-day wireless data use mark, with at least 37.6 terabytes of data used. An estimated half of the 70,000 fans successfully shared messages, photos and videos over their mobile phones.

Zayo is working to install and turn up cell towers, small cells and DAS antennas associated with signed contracts from four major wireless carriers over the past two years.

This infrastructure will be used to densify existing mobile networks so carriers can meet the need for capacity and speed in high-usage areas, both for the Super Bowl and on a permanent basis. Zayo’s mobile infrastructure solutions include fiber backhaul and fronthaul, as well as full turnkey implementation, including RF design, site acquisition, permitting and installation of equipment.

The infrastructure is also needed to support growing traffic in the Minneapolis metro area and prepare for 5G. According to the Metropolitan Council, the population in Minneapolis has grown approximately 10 percent since 2010. The metro area is home to 16 Fortune 500 companies and a growing base of enterprise and emerging growth companies. The Super Bowl, which will be held February 4 at U.S. Bank Stadium, is expected to draw more than one million people to the area for the game and the week’s events.

“Our local team has been working aggressively throughout the fall to turn up these mobile sites in preparation for Super Bowl 52,” said Randy Brogle, senior vice president, Dark Fiber Solutions, Central Region at Zayo. “This infrastructure will improve speed and capacity in the metro Minneapolis area not only for the event but for the long-term benefit of the residents and businesses.”