SXSW® Doubles Bandwidth from Alpheus Communications for 2014
2GB of bandwidth for SXSW 2014 needed to meet unprecedented demand for Internet access
HOUSTON and AUSTIN, Texas – Dec. 4, 2013 – South by Southwest® (SXSW®) 2014 event organizers are preparing for unprecedented demand for high-speed Internet access from attendees, exhibitors and sponsors who will stream live video and connect with social media outlets from throughout Austin during the 2014 event.
To fulfill this bandwidth need, the legendary entertainment event is again turning to Austin-based RightRound LLC and Alpheus Communications to design and implement a 2GB data circuit to support SXSW events, exhibitors, and attendees. Based on experience from the 2013 event and the already high interest in obtaining Internet access for SXSW 2014, vendors, exhibitors and sponsors are already signing up for Internet access so they’re better prepared to meet the needs of SXSW attendees in March.
“South by Southwest presents new challenges each year, and it’s great to have partners like RightRound and Alpheus that we can rely on to help us adapt and succeed in keeping our network, and attendees, connected,” said Scott Wilcox, Director of Technology for SXSW LLC.
Alpheus will deliver 2GB Internet access, double from 2013 levels, from its network hub/data center on East 6th Street in Austin and deliver connectivity directly to many venues. In addition, Alpheus’ bandwidth will be extended wirelessly via Alpha Omega Wireless to venues beyond the SXSW host hotel in downtown Austin. RightRound will provide IT strategy, planning and overall project management, along with services and equipment that exhibitors, sponsors, and performers need to properly deploy for streaming their events and performances.
“Every year more bandwidth is needed to fulfill the demand of SXSW exhibitors, sponsors and attendees, particularly as more performances are streamed live online,” said Cliff Skolnick, director and network architect at RightRound. “Working with a local, carrier-grade network provider such as Alpheus makes this immense task much easier, as the company implements its high-performance Internet connectivity and taps into its Austin-based staff who can pivot at a moment’s notice to expand networks as necessary.”
Understanding that a number of the SXSW venues are temporary with clients who only need Internet access for 24 hours or less, Austin-based Alpha Omega Wireless will deliver Alpheus’ Internet access via a microwave, point-to-point connection from the Alpheus network hub/data center to the SXSW host hotel in downtown Austin. In addition to using this 31-story hotel as was done in 2013, Alpheus, RightRound, and Alpha Omega Wireless will collaborate to provide an additional antenna downtown along with building out a network on Rainey Street that will cover all of the activities in the bars in that area. Another network site will be added in the area west of Congress Street to enable sponsors, performers, and attendees to tap into free Internet access using high-density Wi-Fi.
Demand for Internet access during SXSW shows continued growth year over year. Typically, most attendees have at least two IP-enabled devices for watching and uploading streaming video, blogging and posting commentary to their favorite social media sites.
“Alpheus recognizes how critical Internet access is to SXSW. The high-performance network service that Alpheus will provide to SXSW 2014 will likely be exceeded quickly as the event, its attendees, exhibitors, sponsors and performers all demand more bandwidth,” said Scott Widham, CEO of Alpheus Communications. “With the terrific collaboration of Alpheus, RightRound and Alpha Omega Wireless, we believe that SXSW will continue to set the standard for interactive entertainment events.”
To find out more about Alpheus Communications’ service, contact Enterprise Account Director, Chase Sadler at 512-992-8280 or chase.sadler@alpheus.net.
About Alpheus Communications
Alpheus Communications (www.alpheus.net) is a leading provider of Texas metro-regional fiber and networking solutions. With owned facilities in Dallas-Fort Worth, Houston, San Antonio, Austin, Corpus Christi and the Rio Grande Valley, Alpheus is flexible, content-neutral and responsive to customer needs when low-latency and uptime are essential. As the preferred fiber backbone for Metro Texas, Alpheus is in a unique position to support mission-critical information technology functions and cloud computing solutions through its resilient SSAE 16-compliant data center platforms for colocation and disaster recovery.
About RightRound
RightRound (www.rightround.com) specializes in Internet connectivity anywhere, high-density WiFi solutions and video streaming for live events, festivals and conferences. The goal of RightRound is to solve technology problems, and make event technology work while making it feel easy and seamless. RightRound recognizes that the events industry is facing major changes, and being connected to the Internet is no longer a luxury. Bandwidth dependent solutions are now as critical as power and water.
About Alpha Omega Wireless, Inc.
“AO Wireless” (www.aowireless.com) is a leading integrator of complete end-to-end wireless backhaul networking technology and solutions. Alpha Omega Wireless provides wireless site surveys, feasibility studies, engineering, spectrum analysis, path calculations, design, wireless installation, equipment sales, radio repair and maintenance, support, troubleshooting, and ongoing management & monitoring of point to point wireless links, point to multipoint wireless systems, WiMax backhaul, LTE, Wi-Fi, and wireless mesh. As well as SCADA telemetry radio, wireless video surveillance, and indoor RF. Alpha Omega Wireless works with unlicensed wireless Ethernet bridges and licensed microwave links.