Smart City Networks Adopts SIP Trunking Nationwide
September 29, 2017
Smart City Networks, a provider of technology and telecommunications services for the convention industry, has embarked upon a process to convert phone lines at 39 convention centers and venues to SIP trunking in the next year.
The upgrade is expected to improve reliability, performance and cost at these facilities, according to Smart City officials.
While not the in-demand technology in the current industry landscape, phone service in public assembly areas can play a key role in emergency response situations, as demonstrated in Houston with Hurricane Harvey, Florida with Hurricane Irma and New Orleans with Hurricane Katrina.
The system conversion project, which is approximately 90 percent complete, entails replacing existing phone lines that use Primary Rate Interface (PRI) trunking – a dedicated line for only voice transmission – with Session Initiation Protocol (SIP) trunking, which utilizes Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) that allow the lines to be used for data and voice.
Trunking refers to the method used in data communications transmission systems that allows multiple people to access the network simultaneously by sharing multiple lines.
According to David Langford, Smart City vice president of technology, the company began the SIP conversion in late 2015, after an extensive vendor selection process.
“SIP allows for our Voice systems to take advantage of the already implemented redundancies built into our IP networks, as well as the monitoring capabilities of our IP NOC,” Langford explained.
He continued, “Call quality, reliability and connection rates are also improved. Additionally, this allowed us to aggregate all voice traffic nationwide to one vendor, meaning we could leverage our total volume nationally versus site-by-site.”
This new system is unlike PRI trunks, which have limited automated redundancy, and require additional hardware and knowledgeable PBX technicians.
“The most noticeable benefits to the facility managers in Smart City facilities will be the seamless communication provided by this modern, digital approach and the significant cost savings to convention centers when SIP trunking is implemented,” Langford added.
A few of the convention centers that have already undergone SIP conversion or are about to reach completion include:
- Washington State Convention Center
- San Diego Convention Center
- Miami Beach Convention Center
- Duke Energy Convention Center
- Walter E. Washington Convention Center (in progress for completion in Oct.)
- Anaheim Convention Center (in progress for completion in Oct.)
The project is expected to be completed within the 3Q of 2017, a move that promises to set the standard for phone service in convention centers across the country, according to Smart City officials.
Partner Voices
Overview:
The award-winning Orange County Convention Center (OCCC) goes the extra mile to make every day extraordinary by offering customer service excellence and industry-leading partnerships. From their dedicated in-house Rigging team to their robust Exhibitor Services, The Center of Hospitality brings your imagination to life by helping you host unforgettable meetings and events. With more than 2 million square feet of exhibit space, world-class services and a dream destination, we are committed to making even the most ambitious conventions a reality.
In October 2023, the Orange County Board of County Commissioners voted to approve allocating Tourist Development Tax funding for the $560 million Phase 5A completion of the OCCC. The Convention Way Grand Concourse project will include enhancements to the North-South Building, featuring an additional 60,000 square feet of meeting space, an 80,000- square-foot ballroom and new entry to the North-South Building along Convention Way.
“We are thrilled to begin work on completing our North-South Building which will allow us to meet the growing needs of our clients,” said OCCC Executive Director Mark Tester. “As an economic driver for the community, this project will provide the Center with connectivity and meeting space to host more events and continue to infuse the local economy with new money and expanding business opportunities.”
Amenities:
The Center of Hospitality goes above and beyond by offering world-class customer service and industry-leading partnerships. From the largest convention center Wi-Fi network to custom LAN/WAN design, the Center takes pride in enhancing exhibitor and customer experience.
The OCCC is the exclusive provider of electricity (24-hour power at no additional cost), aerial rigging and lighting, water, natural gas and propane, compressed air, and cable TV services. Convenience
The Center is at the epicenter of the destination, with an abundance of hotels, restaurants, and attractions within walking distance. Pedestrian bridges connect both buildings to more than 5,200 rooms and is within a 15-minute drive from the Orlando International Airport. The convenience of the location goes hand-in-hand with top notch service to help meet an event’s every need.
Gold Key Members
The OCCC’s Gold Key Members represent the best of the best when it comes to exceptional service and exclusive benefits for clients, exhibitors and guests. The Center’s Gold Key memberships with Universal Orlando Resort, SeaWorld Orlando and Walt Disney World greatly enhance meeting planner and attendee experiences offering world-renowned venues, immersive experiences and creative resources for their events.
OCCC Events:
This fiscal year, the OCCC is projected to host 168 events, 1.7 million attendees, and $2.9 billion in economic impact.
The Center’s top five events during their 2022-2023 fiscal year included:
AAU Jr. National Volleyball Championships 2023
200,000 Attendees
$257 Million in Economic Impact
MEGACON 2023
160,000 Attendees
$205 Million in Economic Impact
Open Championship Series 2023
69,500 Attendees
$89 Million in Economic Impact
Sunshine Classic 2023
42,000 Attendees
$54 Million in Economic Impact
Premiere Orlando 2023
42,000 Attendees
$108 Million in Economic Impact
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