CHICAGO –(Business Wire)– Concourse Communications Group, LLC, a Chicago-based wireless network operator, announced it will install and manage an in-building commercial wireless network and the roof-top rights for external coverage at The Field Museum’s complex located along Chicago’s lakefront.
The system, expected to be operational late this year, will support both cellular voice and data services as well as high speed wireless Internet access via the 802.11b/g standard, commonly known as WiFi. “The Field Museum joins the growing list of major public venues installing an in-building wireless system to enable improved mobile phone reception as well as Wi-Fi data services,” said Joe Beatty, CEO of Concourse.
According to Bill Barnett, Vice President and Chief Information Officer of The Field Museum, “We expect this system not only to improve basic communications services for our visitors, but to improve life safety across the campus. It will also to allow The Field Museum to lay the groundwork for future interactive exhibits we create and host. For example, visitors may be able to receive pertinent interactive content through their cell phones or through PDA’s once they approach and view an exhibit. Teachers may use handhelds to communicate wirelessly with their students during field trips and even conduct real-time quizzes to further reinforce the learning experience. ”
While there will be a nominal fee to use the WiFi system for Internet access, Concourse plans to make the system free of charge to students and teachers from the Chicago Public School System as a public service to the City.
“The technology team at The Field Museum has once again recognized an opportunity to use technology as a means to further the Museum’s mission of education, “said Peter Pond, Member of the Board of Trustees of The Field Museum.
About Concourse Communications Group, LLC
As the leading developer of neutral host Wireless Access Systems, Concourse Communications Group is redefining wireless communications services at major U.S. airports and other commercial venues, including LaGuardia, JFK, Newark Liberty, Detroit Wayne County Metropolitan Airport, Nashville International, and the Minneapolis/St. Paul International Airport. These systems support wireless voice, data and video services offered by commercial wireless service providers, airport operators and their airline tenants. For more information, please visit http://www.concoursecommunications.com.
All the World Under One Roof
Chicago’s Field Museum is one of the world’s great museums of science, environment, and culture, as well as a being dedicated to public learning and scholarly research. It is a treasury of more than 22 million objects, from ancient mummies, to endangered plants and animals, to Sue, the biggest and most complete T. rex ever found. Above all, The Field Museum is an unforgettable experience for visitors of all ages.
Named for its founding donor, department-store magnate Marshall Field I, the Museum first opened its doors in 1894. Today it presides proudly over Chicago’s lakefront Museum Campus, its majestic halls and acres of exhibitions welcoming visitors from around the world. For more information please visit http://www.fieldmuseum.org.
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Pat O’Sullivan, 312-566-0007