The Venetian Sets New Precedent With Wireless Technology
LAS VEGAS, NV (March 20, 2001) – Further differentiating its hotel products and services, The Venetian Resort-Hotel-Casino has activated enhanced cellular service, making wireless communication easy and accessible throughout the property.
Designed and installed by LGC Wireless, this unprecedented service allows guests using any of the five major wireless companies (AT&T, Cingular, Nextel, Sprint PCS, Verizon) to stay connected with business associates, friends, and family while visiting The Venetian. Traditionally, wireless service was problematic in large-scale properties due to physical barriers such as concrete walls and the like.
"We know the guests of The Venetian need to stay in touch with their clients and this technology will make that easy, convenient, and accessible," said Jack Braman, vice president of information technology at The Venetian. "There is no property of our size and caliber that allows guests this level of communication and this is sure to set a new standard for the entire hospitality industry."
In addition to receiving exceptional cell phone reception, guests inside The Venetian may also access other wireless applications, enabling them to make room reservations, restaurant reservations, or book show tickets.
One example of an internet application currently under development allows The Venetian's guests to access restaurant reservations from OpenTable, Inc. via handheld wireless devices. This connection will allow guests to make and get instant confirmation of restaurant reservations from anywhere on property, whether they are travelling to and from meetings in the Sands Expo or strolling through The Grand Canal Shoppes.
"OpenTable is proud to work with The Venetian to create this leading edge technology and develop unique and convenient ways for travelers to experience Las Vegas," said Jeff Edwards, CEO of OpenTable, Inc. "We look forward to working with The Venetian as they continue to lead the way in utilizing technology to enhance their guest's experience."
Named by American Way Magazine (American Airlines) as one of the "Best Business Hotels in the United States" and rated by Guinness Book of World Records as having the "Largest Standard Hotel Room in the World," The Venetian continues to enhance its high-tech amenities, particularly those attractive to its business travelers.
To ensure seamless wireless coverage and adequate capacity, The Venetian deployed LGC Wireless' products, the LGCell and MetroReach Focus, to cover a one million square-foot area within The Venetian. The combination of the LGCell and MetroReach Focus provides sufficient capacity to handle every-day traffic inside the property, as well as usage peaks caused by conventions.
"LGC Wireless is extremely pleased to be part of this world-class high-tech wireless showcase," said Rod Hoo, president and CEO of LGC Wireless. "The Venetian is clearly blazing exciting new trails by providing these leading-edge guest services."
LGC Wireless is a leading supplier of broadband wireless networking solutions. The company's wireless networking products provide mobile users access to high quality voice and high-speed wireless data via cellular and PCS networks. LGC is currently shipping product to more than 20 countries. Supported wireless access standards include TDMA, CDMA, GSM, iDEN, and 3G. For more information, please visit our web site at http://www.lgcwireless.com.
The Venetian offers guests 3,036 hotel suites (each standard suite measures approximately 700 square feet), 120,000 square feet of gaming floor, 500,000 square feet of retail space at The Grand Canal Shoppes, the luxurious 65,000 square-foot Canyon Ranch SpaClub, 500,000 square feet of meeting space at The Venetian Congress Center and a direct link to the 1.2 million square foot Sands Expo and Convention Center. For additional information, please visit The Venetian website at www.venetian.com.