Cox Communications is moving in to sin city, or at least a portion of it. The cable & media giant has deployed a private wireless network covering eight blocks around Fremont Street. Known as glitter gulch, this is the iconic section of the strip that features a giant digital display that spans its arched ceiling.
The wireless network is meant to provide high-speed connectivity and reliability for several functions, including security cameras and real-time analytics. The latter could entail things like traffic flow and other insights that guide logistical decisions and overall optimization (think: floor layouts).
Future Proof
In addition to functions that support the city, building owners, and tenants, the network is meant to be scalable to support future visitor-facing applications. And the localized orientation of the network will enable location precision, opening the door for a range of location-based apps and use cases.
For example, though it isn’t part of any official announcement, our minds go to navigation or wayfinding apps, as well as local search and discovery use cases. Think of that like the classic shopping mall directory, but more intelligent. Such apps could build on the underlying foundation Cox is providing.
This move follows a long line of innovations launched in Las Vegas. These include everything from data-driven loyalty programs at hotels/casinos to Elon Musk’s pet project, the Las Vegas loop. The city’s tech-forward persona is also seen in its history with CES, and Comdex several years before that.
One factor that makes Vegas such a strong launchpad for emerging tech is its density. Companies can stress test infrastructure or apps given the sheer volume of foot traffic and clustered businesses. Like New York City (Foursquare’s birthplace), this makes it a good test bed for local commerce apps.
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The Neon City
And that brings us back to Cox’ network. It’s more on the infrastructure side of things but, as noted, it will be a foundational layer that enables apps that sit further up the stack. Until then, it will power official functions for the city and enable insights that could potentially power AI-driven logistics optimization.
Meanwhile, Cox isn’t the only player involved. Partners for the Fremont Street project include Cambium Networks and Dell Technologies. Others could be added as the network’s vertical integration evolves. We’ll keep watching for signs of that growth, as well as further tech infusions in the neon city.
