Team Fishel Builds Out Distributed Antenna System for Newpath Networks in Scottsdale, Arizona

Newpath Networks, based in Seattle, Washington, is a new customer for Team Fishel. Newpath designs, develops and operates "Distributed Antenna Systems" (DAS), which is a hybrid of fiber optics and radio sites. This technology allows RF Engineers to pinpoint RF signals in densely populated neighborhoods or in areas that are difficult to cover. Small antennas are hidden on light poles, traffic signals and even inside artificial saguaro cacti.

The antenna nodes are placed in a higher concentration than a traditional antenna site (i.e. monopole or rooftop solution) which enable cell phones, laptops and other wireless devices to enjoy all the benefits that come with increased bandwidth, such as faster Internet and streaming video. Newpath is a neutral host provider and designs their DAS systems to handle multiple carriers such as Verizon, AT&T, T-Mobile and Sprint simultaneously.

Fishel Teammates are installing the "DAS" Network in Scottsdale and Fountain Hills, Arizona.

"We are placing two and three inch HDPE conduits and installing the fiber to feed the Distributed Antenna System (DAS) to improve the reception and bandwidth capacity of AT&T's 3G wireless network," explains Kwigs Bowen, Chandler Area Manager. "Most of the work has been directional drilled using approximately eight crews as well as fiber splicing."

The customer had committed to having 45-sites up and running for AT&T by year's end on this fast-track project. Construction started in early October and involved very difficult rocky conditions as well as working through the holidays.

"Julio Ramirez and his splicers did an exceptional job of activating as many sites as possible by year-end, including working until midnight on New Year's Eve to meet the customers' deadline," says Bowen.

"The Fishel Teammates understood the urgency of the situation and their service went way beyond what I expected from a contractor," says Dickie Garcia, Construction Manager for Newpath Networks.

According to Garcia, they average approximately 15-sites per month so getting 45-sites turned on in such a short time frame was a challenge.

"We couldn't have asked for a better partner than Team Fishel," Garcia continues. "Because of their hard work and dedication on this project, we plan to continue using Team Fishel's fiber splicing team on future projects."