A client in the Energy industry faced persistent challenges with poor indoor cellular signal across all major carriers— Verizon, T-Mobile, and AT&T— in their headquarters' office and warehouse.
This resulted in frequent dropped calls, slow data speeds, and reduced employee productivity. While the client had attempted temporary fixes— such as WiFi Calling and a self-installed Distributed Antenna System (DAS)— the solutions proved inconsistent and non-compliant with E911 standards.
Recognizing the need for a professional and reliable solution, a trusted partner referred the client to Metro Wireless, known for its expertise in commercial wireless solutions.
Specializing in boosting LTE/5G coverage across major carriers, Metro Wireless designed, integrated, and manages a Nextivity CEL-FI DAS solution for Boswell Oil.
The Challenge
The client faced several critical challenges, including inconsistent connectivity across multiple device types, non-compliance with E911 regulations, which created job site safety risks, and poor signal distribution amongst two separate buildings on-site.
Previous attempts by Boswell and other vendors to resolve these issues— such as leveraging WiFi Calling and installing an alternative DAS solution— had failed, leaving employee communication and operational efficiency severely hindered without a reliable solution in place.
The Solution
Metro Wireless implemented a custom-designed LTE/5G DAS solution to ensure seamless cellular coverage across all tier-1 mobile carriers. The key project phases included:
Design phase:
Performed an on-site survey and current-state wireless grid test to understand the client’s needs, unique environmental conditions, and installation considerations.
Leveraged iBwave, the industry-leading DAS design software, to create a predictive wireless design for optimal signal distribution.
Engineered a solution connecting two buildings with minimal redundant cabling in order to reduce project spend.
Utilized client-provided floor plans to create an iBwave based DAS design
Integration:
Installed three roof-mounted donor antennas to capture outdoor cellular signals from the major carriers, and installed multiple indoor server antennas for evenly broadcasting and redistributing the cell signal.
Integration completed in under four business days solely by Metro Wireless’s in-house team.
Performed a post-install signal audit to validate cell coverage improvement.
Outdoor DAS donor antennas
Nextivity CEL-FI Network Unit
Indoor DAS server antenna
The Results
The results were immediate and transformative: full LTE and 5G signal strengthwas achieved across all carriers in both buildings, ensuring seamless connectivity for employee mobile devices.
Further, E911 compliance was restored, significantly enhancing workplace safety.
Metro Wireless’s Network Operations Center (NOC)now manages and monitors the solution from the Nextivity CEL-FI cloud-based web portal to provide ongoing support.
The solution was cost-effective and right-sized for the client’s needs, avoiding the unnecessary expense of overbuilt "Stadium-Grade" systems.
Before and after LTE/5G cellular signal audit
Conclusion
On-time and on-budget, Metro Wireless delivered a tailored, high-performance LTE/5G DAS solution, resolving the client’s connectivity challenges and boosting user productivity.
Metro Wireless’s national expertise in DAS solutions for all site sizes ensures reliable LTE and 5G cellular coverage for cross-industry clients.
William Blackburn
Network Engineer
“We had long struggled with poor indoor cellular coverage at my facility and had tried other solutions to no avail. We were immediately pleased with Metro's expertise, including leveraging software to build a custom design that would boost Verizon, T-Mobile, and AT&T. The installed solution was both right-sized and right-priced for our needs. I plan to use them at our other sites.”
Client
Boswell Oil
Client industry
Utilities
About the client
Since 1927, Boswell Oil Company has supplied Georgia’s gas stations, manufacturers, private businesses, and wholesalers with essential petroleum products. In addition to distribution, the company helps customers maintain fuel quality through water removal, filtration, and ISOCLEAN solutions. Boswell’s owned fleet ensures reliable transportation of petroleum products, delivering whenever and wherever they are needed.
