For Verizon, 5G coverage at Jazz Fest is the CATS MEOW

Light Reading took a trip south to New Orleans to find out about Verizon's network deployments that will support Jazz Fest, which runs from April 25 through May 5.

Verizon's Gerard Hudson, principal network performance engineer, and Guillermo Salinas, senior director of network performance, join the podcast to explain how the service provider is deploying both permanent and temporary network assets to provide concertgoers with 4G and 5G connectivity. 

(From L to R) Verizon's Cuong Tran, senior engineer, network performance; Gerard Hudson, principal network performance engineer; and Guillermo Salinas, senior director, network performance, in front of a MEOW at the Fair Grounds Race Course. (Source: Kelsey Ziser/Light Reading)

With a lineup including the Foo Fighters, The Killers, Queen Latifah and Heart, the New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival is predicted to draw a crowd of 400,000. Thousands of attendees congregating at the Fair Grounds Race Course can put a strain on the network as they upload media to social networks, friends and family.

In response, Verizon has deployed two CATS MEOWs. While "CATS" is just a fun addition to the name of the mobile asset, "MEOW" stands for "MatSing Equipment on Wheels."

Each of these temporary network assets includes a 4G MatSing ball antenna, which are frequently used in large venues. The MEOW also has 20 gigahertz (GHz) 5G millimeter wave (mmWave) antennas and C-band antennas. Verizon utilizes MatSing ball antennas for other large venues; the service provider deployed the antennas at Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas for Super Bowl LVIII earlier this year.

Verizon's MEOW (MatSing Equipment on Wheels) at the New Orleans Jazz Fest. (Source: Kelsey Ziser/Light Reading)

Permanent infrastructure

For permanent network infrastructure supporting Jazz Fest, Verizon has several nearby cell towers plus antennas at The Esplanade at City Park, a nearby apartment complex.

Verizon also has wireless network assets deployed in the famous French Quarter, including mmWave technology and over 100 small cells. Salinas told Light Reading that in response to Hurricanes Katrina and Michael, Verizon increased its network infrastructure and backhaul support in New Orleans. Per industry standards, its cell towers in the area can withstand up to Category 5 hurricane winds of over 156 MPH, he added.

(Right) Verizon small cell on a light tower in New Orleans. (Source: Kelsey Ziser/Light Reading)

Click on the caption button for a lightly edited transcript. 

Here are a few topics we cover:

*Editor's note: Verizon provided travel and accommodations to New Orleans.