Slice Wireless recently signed a landmark deal with BWI Thurgood Marshall Airport. Slice’s winning proposal edged out the competition with a vision to build the airport of the future designed with speedy connectivity (100 Mg), customer choice, and optimized revenue opportunities for the extended airport ecosystem. The contract calls for Slice to partner with key players in the industry (see below) as SmartCity Wireless Solutions of BWI, LLC to build out a super network platform.

When fully implemented, the network will include a host of services helping users navigate the airport from the moment they arrive on airport grounds to the time of departure, making it easy to find and engage with any needed service, anywhere, in real-time. The platform, called, “BWI-FI” is already delivering five times faster access than the airport had previously, and the service is free to its travelers– curb-to-gate.

The concept of a “super network” was designed by Slice Wireless Solutions by bringing together a team of leading technology companies to jointly operate the Cellular, Internet, Wi-Fi and Bluetooth networks and services.

• SmartCity Wireless Solutions of BWI, LLC to build a super network platform. 

• AT&T will build and expand the cellular DAS (digital antenna system), 

• Juniper Networks-owned Mist will provide the AI-enabled Wi-Fi and Virtual Bluetooth Beacon technology, 

• Clear Channel will partner with and secure sponsors and advertisers, 

• NGEN provides local network management support, and

• Moon Lighting Electrical Service, a veteran support company at BWI, will install the physical infrastructure.

The 15-year contract calls for these and a host of additional capabilities to be rolled in over the next five years, bringing an expected economic benefit of over $10 million to the state. 

Game-changing highlights include:

➢ Carrier-neutral cellular service coverage will be expanded across the entire airport footprint, from the existing public areas to the rental car facility, firehouse and parking garages.  Expanding the Cellular and Wi-Fi coverage to the furthest corners of the airport campus will enable future smart-city extensions with interconnected locations like the train station, mall, convention center and bus terminals. A physical upgrade to a 5G-ready infrastructure is also planned.

➢ Free, uninterrupted, and high-speed Wi-Fi  for passengers to enjoy capable of exceeding today’s demand for video chat, streaming and downloading, including access to entertainment services like short films, premium movie channels, and local and regional content.

➢ Indoor wayfinding and location-based messaging enabled via a network of virtual bluetooth beacons that will assist passengers navigating the airport, locating the nearest restrooms, and inform them of retail and food promotions as they pass by, including internal and external concierge delivery. Brands, businesses and application developers interested in integrating with BWI-FI’s network to reach BWI’s target market are encouraged to contact us. 

➢ Asset Tracking of physical resources via bluetooth sensor tags will help allocate airport resources, including the 10,000 employees who keep BWI running on a daily basis, to maintain cleaner restrooms and faster location of luggage and passenger carts and wheelchairs, reducing wait times and increasing passenger comfort. 

➢Future Proof technology that will also support AI-Assisted Autonomous Vehicles and Robotic Utilization as those services become available.

BWI is the busiest airport in the Washington metro region. With the addition of the airport to Slice’s portfolio of clients, the company enters 2020 in a new category of competitor. We look forward to many more challenging opportunities to innovate and invent in this fast-moving arena.