National Football League

Minneapolis improves connectivity to prepare for Super Bowl

Published Jan. 16, 2018 2:54 p.m. ET

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) Minneapolis has the signal strength, data speed and reliability to handle the onslaught of service demands that come with hosting a Super Bowl, according to a wireless coverage mapping company.

OpenSignal said the metro area has been performing well in similar studies for years, KSTP-TV reported .

''Our city is the Midwest's premier tech hub and quickly becoming a serious player nationally,'' Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey said. ''To keep that momentum trucking and continue recruiting top talent, we'll need a 21st century communication infrastructure - and these investments will help make sure that we have one.''

Efforts to improve connectivity in preparation for the Super Bowl began more than a year ago. Major wireless carriers have been working to boost small-cell and other technologies to increase wireless capacity.

The Xcel Energy Center, the Minneapolis Convention Center and the Mall of America have also been working to improve their distributed antenna systems.

''The upgrade has been going on and off for the better part of a year,'' said Lane Carlson, facilities manager for the convention center. ''But it's been hot and heavy for the last three or four months.''

The improvements will also make the facility a more appealing location for future conventions, Carlson said.

The Mall of America has added 1,200 antennas, 50 miles of cable and numerous temporary Wi-Fi access points, according to a spokesman.

Officials hope the efforts will allow the influx of Super Bowl week visitors to be able to take selfies, record video and seamlessly post content on their social media accounts.

The city expects to see about 1 million visitors during the week of the Super Bowl. Super Bowl Opening Night is on Jan. 29, and the game itself is Feb. 4.