Walls overcomes hurdles associated with 3G network with CSI

05 Jun '10

4 min read

Further reinforcing its position as the market's recognized leader in the design and implementation of in-building wireless solutions, Cellular Specialties, Inc. (CSI) announced Walls Industries, Inc. is successfully leveraging CSI's broad solution suite to ensure reliable wireless coverage throughout its headquarters. CSI was chosen for its knowledge and expertise of FCC regulations and 3G networks, as well as its extensive relationship with the market's leading wireless carriers.

With more than 70 years in business, Texas-based Walls Industries is a market-leading designer, manufacturer and marketer of branded work-wear, hunting and outdoor apparel. Walls products are sold under a number of highly recognized brand names, including Walls, Liberty, Big Smith, 10X, Duxbak, Zero Zone, and Commander. The company's product line includes a full range of insulated and non-insulated utility apparel for use in the workplace and recreational activities.

Operating in a historic manufacturing and distribution facility, Walls faced significant challenges in trying to acquire reliable wireless signals around its headquarters. "With the nearest cell tower more than seven miles away and our building constructed mostly of steel and concrete, wireless signal strength for our employees and executives was practically non-existent," said Tom Felton, chief information officer, Walls Industries, Inc. "In our business, executives live on their cell phones to get their jobs done effectively. Any interference with this ability can be extremely costly to our business."

Complicating the low coverage issue was the company's legacy, in-building wireless system. Furthermore, Walls was under increasing pressure from the FCC to update their cellular system, due to its overlap and interference with the local AT&T 3G network -- rapidly being deployed throughout the region.

"We had an in-building wireless system in place that we thought was fine -- but we were very wrong," continued Felton. "What we didn't know was that our in-building signal was interfering with the roll-out of AT&T's local 3G network in our area. We had some idea that AT&T had started to move into our county with a 3G signal, but never even suspected our in-building signal would interfere."

Faced with pressure from the FCC to shut down their wireless signal -- or face fines of up to $20,000 per day -- Walls had to take immediate action and contacted CSI to help find a new solution. For customers like Walls, CSI offers a range of solutions designed to boost the performance and call quality of in-building wireless networks. Products such as amplifiers/repeaters, in-line boosters, and multi-directional antennas are geared towards supplementing and expanding the scope of wireless signals in low coverage areas. Additionally, CSI's Custom Solutions Group (CSG) is the only in-building wireless service organization approved by all major wireless service providers in the United States -- including AT&T -- and has implemented numerous turnkey solutions including voice, data, WiFi, RFID and other wireless solutions.

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