COWs Go Mad as the World Cheers

For years, wireless COWs (Cell Phone Towers on Wheels) have been a creative solution utilized by large carriers seeking to provide mobile connectivity at large events and venues.

“Years ago, you rolled them up to a big event like Mobile World Congress or a venue like a football game and tried to provide wireless service for up to 70,000 people trying to do a host of things to enhance connectivity and it didn’t always work too well,” says Mario Bouchard of iBwave.

Times are changing and iBwave’s software is eliminating the need for “COWs” by enabling engineers to successfully design, simulate and maintain optimal in-building wireless networks, providing exceptional mobile device coverage and capacity in buildings at high profile events around the world including the last three Super Bowls, the World Cup and most recent Olympics. To learn more, visit iBwave at booth 6B94 in Hall 6 but don’t let the COWS see you; they get upset!

Mobile World Congress Frenzy: Day 1

Almost half the population of the earth now uses mobile communications. A billion mobile subscribers were added in the last 4 years to leave the total standing at 3.2 billion, the 4 billion mark is expected to be passed in 2018 and in the same year the number of connections is expected to pass 10 billion (source: GSMA’s Mobile Economy 2013 Report). Mobile World Congress is where the global leaders of this massive industry convene aka the biggest wireless event in the world. After many weeks of preparation, we are ready for the big week.

The iBwave team has arrived! Ah, Barcelona… good wine, cheap tapas, splendid architecture, great nightlife. Ah-ah-ah, not so fast! We have a booth to set up!

Luckily, the team at Urban-ID is there to help. After a final check to make sure everything is ready, the team is off for some well deserved sleep, that is, the ones who aren’t attending the FC Barcelona game.

Presenting the iBwave MWC 2013 team. We’ve got Bob with the double guns; Jalal, checking his emails before the rush begins; Nathalie, ready to tweet, as well as Scott, Mario and Peter, ensuring that all is in order with the new iBwave Design Lite demo station.

Later on in the day, Ed Gubbins of Current Analysis comes by to get the latest news from iBwave and catch up on in-building trends with Mario. Meanwhile, the sales team takes a walk to visit some old and new friends of iBwave and makes sure to bring the iBwave hat with them. Adriana from Corning poses with the hat at her booth. The team at Computa Maps and Bob play along too.

The first day of a big week is a success but everyone is tired and needs to rest up for another big day tomorrow!

In-Building Seminar in Paris on Valentine’s Day, Ooh La La!

Ok, let’s set the scene: It’s February 14. In Paris. At an iBwave in-building seminar. Coincidence? I’ll let you decide.

All jokes aside, we were delighted to host the French in-building ecosystem today for presentations and great industry conversations. It was nice to see many participants stay after the end of the event to continue chatting and networking. Special thanks to our guest speaker – Michael Liem of Alcatel-Lucent. Thanks to all who attended and congratulations to our 10 lucky hat winners.

Here are some photos of the event: