Seattle’s Space Needle is a world-renowned tourist destination and iconic symbol in the city skyline. To enhance visitors’ experience, the owners launched a renovation project to update the physical systems of the fifty-five-year-old structure, creating a floor-to-ceiling glass observation deck and dining area. 

Because guests love to share their visit to this landmark with selfies and social media posts, the renovations also included building a robust wireless network. We were asked to deploy a neutral-host distributed access system (DAS) to ensure connectivity and bandwidth for visitors. Here’s how we made it possible with our BYOC solution. 

From the beginning, the project to install a unified wireless infrastructure at the Space Needle faced a series of unique challenges. 

Aesthetically, the antennas had to blend seamlessly with the glass viewing environment, ensuring they did not detract from the panoramic views. Additionally, there was limited space for equipment and cabling, which posed significant design and installation obstacles.  

Given that the Space Needle is a high-risk venue, much of the work was performed at heights ranging from 500 to 600 feet above ground. Our installation crews had to carefully coordinate their efforts around the ongoing renovations and the flow of tourists, as the building remained open to the public throughout the construction process. 

To support the wide range of users and services within the Space Needle, we deployed a comprehensive wireless infrastructure tailored for flexibility and performance: 

• Universal Access Points (UAPs) were installed throughout the structure to support multiple operators and public safety networks. These UAPs ensure that everyone, from visitors to emergency responders, has reliable network coverage. 
• Power-over-Ethernet (PoE) cables were used to power the UAPs, eliminating the need for separate electrical wiring and simplifying maintenance. This makes the installation and upkeep much more efficient. 
• A fiber optic line was installed to provide fronthaul from the top of the structure to the headend in the basement. This ensures a robust and efficient connection, enhancing the overall performance of the network. 
• A multi-operator GPS system was deployed to ensure that all visitors have reliable 911 access. This is crucial for safety and peace of mind, knowing that help is just a call away. 

Thanks to this unified network, the Space Needle now delivers uninterrupted connectivity for visitors, staff, and critical systems alike, marking a series of key advancements that elevate both user experience and operation: 

The Space Needle project is a clear example of how Build Your Own Coverage (BYOC) empowers property owners to take control of their indoor wireless experience. Whether it’s a landmark like the Space Needle or your own building, BYOC gives you the opportunity to improve coverage, capacity, and control.