ST. PAUL, MINN.—September 3, 2008—NewPath Networks, an industry leader in the design, development and operation of fiber-fed wireless carrier networks, today announced the deployment of a distributed antenna system (DAS) network that dramatically improves wireless capacity and provides ubiquitous wireless coverage in Xcel Energy Center, Saint Paul RiverCentre, The Legendary Roy Wilkins Auditorium and the Saint Paul Arena Company’s (SPAC) executive office building, the venues for the 2008 Republican National Convention (RNC) taking place September 1-4, 2008 in Minneapolis-Saint Paul, Minnesota.

The venues anticipated a dramatic increase in wireless usage during the RNC and took steps to increase wireless capacity and to assure ubiquitous wireless coverage during Convention Week. By installing a distributed antenna system throughout the venues, the SPAC improves its ability to serve delegates, members of the media, staff and visitors with reliable wireless voice and data services while minimizing poor call quality in terms of blocked or dropped calls. The DAS allows multiple wireless operators, including preferred provider AT&T Mobility, to share wireless access and ensure availability of their wireless services throughout the facilities. Stringent visual guidelines aimed at preserving the aesthetics of the facilities and lack of physical space had also prevented wireless service providers from deploying additional cell towers within the area.

"We needed to ensure that wireless services were reliable and available during Convention Week not only to accommodate the increased number of wireless users, but also to support added security measures and in event of emergencies," said Jim Ibister, vice president of facility administration and general manager for Saint Paul RiverCentre. "NewPath provided a viable, quickly-deployable alternative that improves cellular coverage in the area without negatively affecting visual impact. The distributed antenna system now provides additional capacity and coverage while maintaining aesthetics."

"Plans were already in place to make these types of improvements for guests and clients, but the 2008 Republican National Convention offered another opportunity to showcase our service offerings," said David Weisbrod, director of information technology for the Minnesota Wild. "New Path has been a great partner, allowing us to provide the services of multiple cellular carriers and meet the needs of this global event."

The final system uses 10 repeaters from Shakopee-based ADC and 51 antennas deployed throughout the four buildings, delivering wireless voice and data services throughout the facilities. The DAS system is designed to provide maximum capacity during events like the RNC and Minnesota Wild NHL Hockey games. The system is monitored 24/7 and personnel will be on-site for the duration of the convention.

Minneapolis-Saint Paul plays host to 45,000 delegates, alternate delegates, members of the media, and other guests expected to attend the convention. The host cities were chosen for their vibrant communities, outstanding hotels and event venues, and enthusiastic support from local officials and residents alike. The Twin-Cities make up the 13th largest metropolitan area in America and have previously hosted Republican National Convention only once before in 1892. 16,000 hotel rooms have been booked for Convention Week and 15,000 members of the media are expected to cover the event. 475,000 square feet of space will be provided for media outlets covering the convention, which is equal to the size of eight pro-football fields.

Xcel Energy Center is a one-of-a-kind multi-purpose sports and entertainment facility hosts more than 150 events each year. The arena has been widely recognized as one of the best venues worldwide for sporting events, concerts, and family shows. Opened in 2000, Xcel Energy Center boasts four seating levels that can accommodate 20,000 guests. Saint Paul RiverCentre is the city’s premier convention center that overlooks the bluffs of the Mississippi River. Featuring more than 250,000 square feet of event space that includes the Roy Wilkins Auditorium, Saint Paul RiverCentre is the preferred choice for hundreds of events each year including star-studded galas, trade shows and conventions.

As Minneapolis-Saint Paul welcomes attendees to the 2008 Republican National Convention, the NewPath Networks system will provide the needed cellular coverage and capacity to ensure quality wireless services for delegates, members of the media, staff and guests.

ABOUT NEWPATH NETWORKS
NewPath Networks is a wireless infrastructure company that designs, develops and operates fiber-fed wireless carrier networks using a distributed antenna architecture to improve signal strength and network capacity. NewPath’s solutions address wireless network capacity demands due to growth in data and multi-media applications. The company’s cost-effective, invisible wireless networks accommodate multiple carriers without new cell site or tower build-out. Communities choose NewPath Networks because the distributed antenna architecture enables concealment of antennas and equipment, and provides cellular coverage across multiple carriers with minimal aesthetic impact. NewPath’s solutions are also ideal for large corporate or university campus environments, where the systems provide on-campus coverage and capacity for multiple carriers with a single system that is managed by NewPath Networks. Service providers that license space on these systems gain efficiencies in time-to-market and reduced capital expenditures for hardware, facilities, and stealth building costs, as well as reductions in ongoing operational expenses. For more information, visit http://www.newpathnetworks.net.

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Media Contact:
Loan Gordon
Loop Marketing, LLC
425-488-7454
loan.gordon@loopmarketing.com