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CTS Deploys Private Cellular Network at Tulsa International Airport

Tulsa International Airport (TUL) is taking a major step forward in airport technology and infrastructure by deploying a state-of-the-art private cellular network, covering its airfield, in partnership with Communication Technology Services (CTS). The private cellular network will significantly enhance TUL’s operational efficiency, security, and passenger experience.

Tulsa, OK – July 8, 2025 – Tulsa International Airport (TUL) is taking a major step forward in airport technology and infrastructure by deploying a state-of-the-art private cellular network, covering its airfield, in partnership with Communication Technology Services (CTS). The private cellular network will significantly enhance TUL’s operational efficiency, security, and passenger experience.

 

The cutting-edge private network will replace the aging communications platforms currently supporting TUL’s badging and camera systems at various Perimeter Entry Gates. The existing solutions—either expensive fiber connections or inconsistent Wi-Fi—have presented ongoing operational challenges. By upgrading to a dedicated private network, TUL is ensuring a more resilient, cost-effective, and high-performance connectivity solution.

Setting a New Standard for Regional Airports

Rob Cerbone, Vice President of Marketing at CTS, emphasized the significance of TUL’s investment in private cellular:

 

"We see TUL as leading the way for smaller and mid-size airports. TUL is forward-thinking by investing in private cellular for improved operations and attracting more technology investments by the airlines."

 

This private LTE deployment will provide seamless, high-speed connectivity that supports critical airport functions while laying the foundation for future advancements, including AI-driven automation and autonomous vehicles.

Driving Innovation for Airport Operations

The implementation of a private cellular network will:

●      Enhance Security & Safety – Reliable connectivity ensures that critical security systems, including perimeter surveillance and badging infrastructure, operate without disruption.

●      Improve Operational Efficiency – Replacing outdated communication systems will streamline airport workflows, reducing operational costs and maintenance efforts.

●      Support Future Innovations – With a scalable and robust network, TUL will be positioned to integrate advanced technologies such as AI-driven automation,      autonomous vehicles, and enhanced airline operations.

●      Increase Competitive Advantage – By investing in next-generation connectivity solutions, TUL is establishing itself as a model for other regional airports worldwide.

"We believe that what TUL is doing will be the model for many small and mid-size airports around the world by investing in their enhanced capabilities now and letting the commercial use cases evolve. By doing so, TUL will be ready to work with the airlines to drive automation through AI and automation for improved operations and enhancing the passenger journey." - Brent Wall, Director of Innovation and Technology at Tulsa Airports Improvement Trust

A Future-Ready Airport

With this investment, TUL is ensuring a more reliable and future-ready infrastructure, setting a benchmark for regional airports. The deployment of a private cellular network not only addresses current operational challenges but also positions the airport for long-term growth and innovation.

 

"TUL will have an extremely competitive advantage over other regional airports by investing in solutions that enable more technology investment by the airlines and other airport stakeholders," said Cerbone.

 

As air travel continues to evolve, Tulsa International Airport is proving that innovation and technology are key to enhancing security, efficiency, and passenger satisfaction. With CTS and leading private cellular solutions, TUL is charting a new path for the future of airport connectivity.

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Customer Testimonial: Reliable Cellular Coverage at 110 East Blvd in Charlotte

As Stiles developed their award-winning new property at 110 East Boulevard in Charlotte, reliable cellular connectivity was an important consideration from inception. Stiles' previous experience with repeater fed DAS systems informed their more stringent performance requirements for 110 East to ensure a premium customer experience consistent with the other amenities in the building. CTS’s ability to deliver active signal sources for all three mobile operators in a timely manner made all the difference for Stiles.

As Stiles developed their award-winning new property at 110 East Boulevard in Charlotte, reliable cellular connectivity was an important consideration from inception. Stiles' previous experience with repeater fed DAS systems informed their more stringent performance requirements for 110 East to ensure a premium customer experience consistent with the other amenities in the building. CTS’s ability to deliver active signal sources for all three mobile operators in a timely manner made all the difference for Stiles.

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CTS is Awarded a Sourcewell Cooperative Contract

Communication Technology Services (CTS), an in-building and campus connectivity solution provider, is proud to announce it was recently awarded a Sourcewell cooperative purchasing contract in the Private Wireless Services with Related Solutions category. This contract allows CTS to expand its offerings to public agencies across North America.

MARLBOROUGH, Mass., June 11, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- https://www.cts1.com/... Communication Technology Services (CTS), an in-building and campus connectivity solution provider, is proud to announce it was recently awarded a Sourcewell cooperative purchasing contract in the Private Wireless Services with Related Solutions category. This contract allows CTS to expand its offerings to public agencies across North America.

Sourcewell, a self-funded governmental organization established in 1978, facilitates a cooperative purchasing program that harnesses the collective purchasing power of more than 50,000 participating agencies. By streamlining procurement with pre-negotiated, competitive contracts, Sourcewell enables government, educational, and nonprofit organizations to secure cost-effective and efficient purchasing solutions.

CTS secured a Sourcewell contract following a rigorous request for proposal (RFP) process, ensuring compliance with local procurement requirements, and delivering exceptional value and service. This partnership grants any public agency access to purchase Private Cellular Networks from CTS through a ready-to-use, Sourcewell-vetted contract, streamlining the public purchasing process.

“It’s an achievement to receive this contract from Sourcewell: a testament to our decades-long commitment and dedication to delivering the best wireless solutions nationwide,” said Kevin Gallagher, Executive Vice President,  Business Development at CTS. “We are excited to work with Sourcewell's public agencies and educating them about the real benefits of Private Wireless Services. CTS designs and operates private cellular networks customized to optimize the performance of customers’ business-critical applications. Private cellular networks are the ideal backbone for IoT, automation and mission-critical voice services, all delivered and managed with CTS’s comprehensive, proven managed service.”

For more information, including how an agency can use CTS’s contract, visit Communication Technology Services (CTS) - sourcewell-mn.gov.

About CTS

CTS (Communication Technology Services) provides custom, carrier-grade connectivity solutions for enterprises and mobile network operators, solving and managing the most complex networking challenges. Leveraging our advanced design and network operations centers, CTS provides our customers with industry-leading customer service. Our ability to design, build, run and support connectivity solutions that power our customers’ mission-critical applications is unmatched. 

For more information about CTS, visit cts1.com.

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Communication Technology Services (CTS) Expands Presence with New Texas Office

Communication Technology Services (CTS), an in-building and campus connectivity solution provider, is proud to announce the opening of its new office in Carrollton, Texas. This expansion marks an important milestone for the company as it continues to innovate and grow in key markets. The new office expands CTS’s nationwide footprint to 16 locations in major metropolitan areas that support operations across the United States to meet the growing demand for enterprise wireless networks.

New location supports CTS’s wireless connectivity innovation

 

(April 25, 2024) Marlborough, MA ‒ Communication Technology Services (CTS), an in-building and campus connectivity solution provider, is proud to announce the opening of its new office in Carrollton, Texas. This expansion marks an important milestone for the company as it continues to innovate and grow in key markets. The new office expands CTS’s nationwide footprint to 16 locations in major metropolitan areas that support operations across the United States to meet the growing demand for enterprise wireless networks.

 

The Dallas metroplex was selected for its vibrant business environment and technology ecosystem, making it an ideal location for CTS to expand its reach. The new office will serve as a hub for the region and will house a talented team of professionals dedicated to driving innovation and delivering exceptional service to our customers. The location will complement an existing office in the Houston suburb of Spring, TX providing complete coverage throughout the region.

 

“We’re excited to establish an additional office in Texas,” said Shane Rubin, Executive Vice President – National Operations.  “This new office will not only allow us to better serve our customers in the region, but also enable collaboration with local talent and partners to create new opportunities for growth”

 

About CTS

CTS (Communication Technology Services) provides custom, carrier-grade connectivity solutions for enterprises and mobile network operators, solving and managing the most complex networking challenges. Leveraging our advanced design and network operations centers, CTS provides our customers with industry-leading customer service. Our ability to design, build, run and support connectivity solutions that power our customers’ mission-critical applications is unmatched. 

 

For more information about CTS, visit cts1.com.

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Cybersecurity in Private Cellular Networks

For over 23 years CTS has been a leader in National Deployment Services. Whether you need Voice, Data, Digital Signage, or Wireless Technology deployed, CTS has thousands of technicians nationwide, skilled in handling these types of field service jobs.

 
 

As factories continue to grow using project-to-project initiatives up to wholescale smart factory implementations, connectivity becomes more critical to enabling the technology and tools that accelerate change. A new generation of manufacturing applications require a new type of high-performance networking solution. Some of the applications include sensors for machine and process monitoring; video analytics for quality control; robotics and autonomous machines for operational efficiency; and redesigned production facilities that can be easily reconfigured to accommodate multiple product lines or modifications to production processes. 

For this new generation of applications, manufacturers should consider Private Cellular Networks (PCNs). PCNs are highly secure, flexible, and very reliable with the ability to define Quality of Service (QoS) based on application-specific requirements. PCNs give CIOs a more secure, flexible, and cost-effective networking alternative than other currently available options. Securing PCNs requires a shift from securing Information Technology (IT) assets, such as servers, storage, and applications, that have characteristics of short lifecycles, to securing Operational Technology (OT) assets, such as IoT devices, sensors, manufacturing assets, where the lifecycle is typically 10-25 years.

Security is of paramount importance in the implementation of a PCN for all manufacturers – from aerospace defense contractors to semiconductor fabricators to automobile companies. As the number of connected devices and applications inside the manufacturing facility increases, so does the potential security threat.

Factors for a Secure PCN 

Here are some factors to consider when implementing PCNs:

  • Zero-trust architecture for OT environments: The zero-trust security model is based on a set of system design principles, which acknowledges that threats exist both inside and outside of traditional network boundaries. This model ensures that the concept of least privilege is applied for every access decision. 

  • Threat modelling: Threat modelling that is normally integrated into the organization’s security practices can be used to assess the introduction of the PCN. Examples include the STRIDE (Spoofing, Tampering, Repudiation, Information Disclosure, Denial of Service, and Elevation of Privilege) and PASTA (Process of Attack Simulation and Threat Analysis) threat models.

  • Vulnerability management: PCN assets must be integrated into an organization’s vulnerability and incident management programs.

  • Supply chain: Great emphasis needs to be placed on having trusted suppliers, securing the use of open-source software, hosted infrastructure platforms, and ensuring secure software development.

Identifying Potential Threats

The first step in securing a PCN is to identify potential attack threats. The main components of a PCN are described below and shown in Figure 1:

  • Mobile Core: The Evolved Packet Core (EPC) in LTE or the 5G Core (5GC) in 5G provides the intelligence and management of the cellular network. The network functions can be on premise, cloud-hosted or hybrid with the control plane in the cloud and the user plane on premise.

  • Radio Access Network (RAN): In a PCN, the radios are known as Citizens Band Services Devices (CBSDs). The CBSDs are managed by a Radio Management System (RMS) that is typically cloud-hosted. The RAN layer connects the User Equipment to the Mobile Core and OT platforms.

  • User Equipment (UE): UEs are the end-user devices in the network that need connectivity to the OT platforms. They can include mobile phones; tablets; machine connectivity for robots and autonomous vehicles; unmanaged devices such as sensors; and other IoT devices. Each UE must have a Subscriber Identity Module (SIM) or software-based electronic SIM (eSIM) to attach to the PCN.

  • Network Management System (NMS): The NMS provides remote management and monitoring. Located on premise or in the cloud, it is integrated to a ticketing system supporting Day 2 Services.

  • Spectrum Access Services (SAS): The SAS is a third-party application that manages the wireless spectrum used in the PCN.

     

Potential attacks to a PCN can impact every network component:

  • Mobile Core Networks: Bad actors will attack the control plane signaling network, destabilize the mobile core with authentication requests (Authentication Flooding), or exploit software vulnerabilities either in the application or the operating system.

  • RAN: Bad actors can masquerade as a trusted RAN, tricking the UEs to connect to the untrusted device rather than to the real RAN. Bad actors can intercept data/voice traffic at the RAN level and route valid traffic to networks/systems they control, thereby facilitating further attacks.

  • Transport Network: Data traffic can be intercepted through the backhaul network. Bad actors will steer or mirror data traffic to collect useful information or destabilize the data network.

  • UE: UE attacks are executed through SIM compromise, where a bad actor uses a valid SIM card in another device to gain access to the network. Malware can be deposited on the UE which will be used to take over the device. Bad actors can instigate a Distributed Denial of Service (DDoS) attack by using botnets throughout the network. 

  • Mobile Infrastructure Systems: Bad actors can change network and equipment configurations to allow unauthorized access to infrastructure platforms such as the mobile core, RMS, or NMS.

  • Third-Party Applications: Bad actors can infiltrate third-party applications and use the external IP network as an entry point into the PCN. 

Applying Zero-Trust Principles to PCNs 

PCNs benefit from 3GPP security practices, generally considered the most stringent, including zero-trust principles such as strong authentication and least privilege. These principles should be embedded by design. 

Guarding Against UE Threats: Traditional IT techniques, including subscriber authentication and device access control, should be extended to the PCN to guard against unauthorized access to the device. Device to network connectivity is protected through adoption of SIM technology within the device, either a physical hardware SIM or an eSIM. Further device-level protection can be added through practices such as SIM locking and multifactor authentication.

Minimizing Device and RAN Attacks: The risk of UE or RAN attacks is minimized by the implementation of both network to device authentication and air interface encryption mechanisms. The Authentication and Key Agreement (AKA) protocol is used for authentication between the UE and the mobile core in a PCN. In addition, the LTE/5G air interface in a PCN is protected by 3GPP standards that have defined multiple encryption algorithms to safeguard data transmission.

Protecting Infrastructure Systems: On-premise mobile core, RMS, and NMS platforms should be secured through an extension of existing enterprise IT security practices, enabling management using existing network management tools. 

Securing Backhaul Connections: Hardware security appliances can be used to protect the traffic over the S1 interface (backhaul) using Internet Protocol Security (IPsec) tunnels between the radios and the mobile core. Having IPsec on the backhaul helps maintain a zero-trust security in which nothing is trusted, and everything must be verified.

Summary

A company’s approach to securing their PCN should be no less rigorous than that of securing new IT architectures. There may be additional factors that require consideration when implementing the PCN, comprised of 3GPP architecture (UE, RAN, mobile core), non-3GPP defined architecture (switches, routers etc.), and OT (IoT devices). Some key practices are threat modelling, penetration testing, vulnerability assessments, border protection, and updating of security controls into the organization.

Figure 1: CTS Private Cellular Network



CTS provides custom, carrier-grade in-building and campus connectivity solutions for enterprises and mobile network operators, solving and managing the most complex networking challenges. CTS only provides one solution: the one that’s right for your business.

Opinions expressed by contributing authors are their own.


Author

David Mayers

Technical Program Manager, Communication Technology Services (CTS)



 
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Private Cellular Networks – The Foundation for Your Digital Transformation

Modern manufacturing is increasingly reliant on interconnected devices communicating with each other

to optimize operations and achieve automation of key production processes. In fact, a recent study shows

that 84% of manufacturers surveyed had already adopted smart manufacturing or are actively evaluating

solutions to invest in the coming year, which means connectivity will be more important than ever.

 

Modern manufacturing is increasingly reliant on interconnected devices communicating with each other to optimize operations and achieve automation of key production processes. In fact, a recent study shows that 84% of manufacturers surveyed had already adopted smart manufacturing or are actively evaluating solutions to invest in the coming year, which means connectivity will be more important than ever.

Connected devices provide critical data required to automate production, but connections to the digital realm for simulating processes and outcomes further enhance the ability of manufacturers to transform their businesses to compete on the global theater. Once a luxury, manufacturers have now become reliant on mission-critical connectivity. Current networking technologies used in many manufacturing facilities are often outdated, unreliable, fixed in terms of location, or all three — resulting in frequent downtime and production delays.

The Evolution of Wireless Technology

Wireless technologies have been prevalent in industrial applications for decades using proprietary radios to communicate with sensors for data collection and controllers for managing moving devices. While proprietary networks benefit from the ability to customize the specific implementation to the application, closed ecosystems are often expensive to implement and maintain while also limiting device availability.

The emergence of Wi-Fi offered a low-cost, standardized technology that was embedded in a wide variety of enterprise and industrial devices. While Wi-Fi has been deployed in industrial environments requiring flexibility, the technology has struggled to meet the increasingly complex connectivity requirements for digital transformation. Best-effort Wi-Fi networks suffer from interference that results in poor Quality of Service (QoS) and Quality of Experience (QoE) as the number of connected devices and throughput increase.

The Emergence of Private Cellular Networks

Cellular technology was developed for mission-critical military communications before being adopted by enterprises to increase workforce productivity outside of traditional, fixed office environments. Demand exploded among consumers as the technology became more affordable, evolving to the point where smartphones have become an indispensable part of modern life. Cellular networks are highly secure, mobile, and very reliable with the ability to define QoS based on application-specific requirements.

Unlike legacy industrial wireless solutions and Wi-Fi, cellular networks utilize FCC-licensed wireless frequencies to ensure interference-free operations. Historically, the FCC auctioned wireless frequencies in large geographic areas and at great cost, making it difficult for enterprises to justify competing with the mobile network operators to acquire them. With the recent introduction of Citizens Band Radio Services (CBRS) spectrum by the FCC, enterprises can now acquire low-cost, wireless licenses as the basis for enterprise-focused Private Cellular Networks (PCNs). PCNs leverage small cell infrastructure and a virtualized network architecture that can be easily integrated with existing enterprise IT infrastructure.

Delivering on the Promise of Digital Transformation

A CBRS PCN is an excellent choice when a manufacturing facility requires high throughput, has massive numbers of devices, and needs enhanced security and reliability. PCNs provide more control over data transmission and provide dedicated and secure connectivity with edge computing platforms, keeping data local for analytics and low latency processing. They can also connect a larger number of devices than Wi-Fi without sacrificing performance. PCNs can be customized to meet application-specific requirements such as guaranteed throughput for video used in finished goods inspection or low latency communications required for real-time command and control of manufacturing processes. While current PCNs are largely based on 4G or LTE technology, 5G expands PCN capabilities with higher throughput, lower latency, and massive device connectivity — all crucial enablers for long-term industrial digital transformation.

PCNs have the potential to revolutionize manufacturing processes and help companies achieve key production goals by providing:

  • Secure, reliable, low-latency operations for real-time machine-to-machine communication to thousands of devices

  • Critical data infrastructure to support automation

  • Mission-critical performance for real-time monitoring and control of safety and security systems

  • Application-optimized data connectivity that enables more efficient and productive operational technologies to be implemented operations.

Creating a Strong, Future-Proof Network Foundation

Wireless connectivity solutions have become increasingly essential in Industry 4.0 factories, where automation, digitalization, and data-driven processes are the norm. Selecting the correct type of network for a manufacturing plant is critical to ensure smooth and efficient facility operation. The network is the backbone of the plant’s communication system, connecting various devices and systems and facilitating the transfer of data and information. Choosing the wrong network can lead to slow data transfer speeds, dropped connections, and other network-related issues, resulting in lost productivity, increased downtime, and even safety risks.

A PCN can enable faster communication, real-time monitoring, and improved manufacturing processes. While off the shelf “PCN in a box” solutions exist, a one-size-fits-all approach should be avoided when trying to ensure maximum ROI for your next-generation networking investment. Each facility has unique communication needs based on factors like size, layout, construction materials, equipment, and operations. In addition, deployment challenges can include integration into existing Operational Technology and Information Technology platforms, application performance optimization, data security, and interweaving solutions across multiple networks. A customized PCN solution that meets the specific needs of your facility can lead to better performance, cost-effectiveness, and employee productivity. A trusted solution partner can help ensure that you select and implement the PCN architecture and infrastructure that best meets your needs, enabling you to reach your transformation goals.



Author

Robert Cerbone, VP Product Management and Marketing, CTS

 
 
 
 
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CTS wins OnGo Alliance Award for CBRS-based Neutral Host Architecture/Solution

CTS is recognized for continued innovation with private cellular solutions for enterprises  

MARLBOROUGH, Mass., April 13, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Communication Technology Services (CTS), an in-building and campus connectivity solution provider, has won the 2022 Neutral Host Architecture/Solution Award from the OnGo Alliance. CTS was also recognized as a finalist in the Excellence in Enterprise OnGo Private Network Deployment category for a Private Cellular Network-as-a-Service deployed at an outdoor mining operation. These achievements validate CTS's innovative approach to deploying private cellular solutions for the enterprise.

CTS wins OnGo Alliance Award for CBRS-based Neutral Host Architecture/Solution

Apr 13, 2023, 12:38 ET

CTS is recognized for continued innovation with private cellular solutions for enterprises  

MARLBOROUGH, Mass., April 13, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Communication Technology Services (CTS), an in-building and campus connectivity solution provider, has won the 2022 Neutral Host Architecture/Solution Award from the OnGo Alliance. CTS was also recognized as a finalist in the Excellence in Enterprise OnGo Private Network Deployment category for a Private Cellular Network-as-a-Service deployed at an outdoor mining operation. These achievements validate CTS's innovative approach to deploying private cellular solutions for the enterprise.

CTS, with support from partners Airspan and Druid, won the award for its Neutral Host project with a leading healthcare provider. The project showcases using an OnGo Neutral Host Network (NHN) to provide cost-effective cellular coverage in a medical office building. The award is given for an NHN solution using the CBRS band that can provide coverage for multiple mobile operators. The same network infrastructure is also supporting a Private Cellular Network for secure access to medical back office systems.

CTS's Rob Cerbone, Vice President of Product Management and Marketing, said, "CTS has a history of delivering innovative solutions that address our customers' greatest communications challenges, earning us the position as a trusted connectivity partner. Early on, we realized the tremendous potential of the CBRS band to transform enterprise connectivity. With this project, we are able to showcase a Private Cellular Network using shared CBRS spectrum for both a Neutral Host Network and a secure, private network for mission-critical enterprise applications. The solution delivers a cost-effective option for the middleprise that consolidates multiple disparate networks into a converged network infrastructure that is cheaper to deploy and maintain." 

The 2022 OnGo Awards were judged by a panel of industry analysts with distinct expertise in the OnGo market. The OnGo Alliance supports the common interests of members, implementers and operators for the development, commercialization, and adoption of LTE and 5G NR solutions for the US 3.5 GHz Citizens Broadband Radio Service. (https://ongoalliance.org/)

https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/cts-wins-ongo-alliance-award-for-cbrs-based-neutral-host-architecturesolution-301797054.html?tc=eml_cleartime

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CTS Achieves SOC 2 Type II Compliance for Managed Services Platform

CTS affirms commitment to providing secure communication solutions for mission-critical enterprise applications with SOC 2 Type 2 accreditation

(November 30, 2022) Marlborough, MA ‒ Communication Technology Services (CTS), an in-building and campus connectivity solution provider, has successfully attained System and Organization Controls (SOC) 2 Type 2 compliance through an audit performed by Alchemi Advisory Group, LLC, an independent security and compliance organization. This accreditation confirms that CTS has a strong commitment to security and to delivering mission-critical managed communication services that protect the privacy and confidentiality of client data. Achieving compliance demonstrates that CTS has the necessary internal controls and processes in place. 

 

SOC 2 compliance is a widely-recognized auditing standard developed by the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants (AICPA). SOC 2 compliance confirms CTS’s controls and processes meet certain AICPA Trust Service Criteria, verified through an in-depth independent audit, as they relate to security, availability, and confidentiality of a system. The SOC 2 report verifies the suitability of the design and operating effectiveness of CTS's controls to meet the standards for these criteria and was issued with no exceptions.

 

John Tegan, Chief Executive Officer, said “As a company, CTS is committed to total customer satisfaction, scalability, engineering expertise, and flexible operational and business models to meet our customer’s most stringent connectivity requirements. When outsourcing their mission-critical networking needs to CTS, customers rely on us to safeguard sensitive information using strong security and privacy management systems and controls to minimize risks and maintain compliance with relevant laws, regulations, and internal policies. With our SOC 2 compliance, customers can have confidence through third-party validation that CTS is committed to recognized industry standards for security, business continuity, and risk mitigation that will scale to meet their most demanding enterprise connectivity requirements.”

 

About CTS

CTS (Communication Technology Services) provides custom, carrier-grade connectivity solutions for enterprises and mobile network operators, solving and managing the most complex networking challenges. Leveraging our advanced design and network operations centers, CTS provides our customers with industry-leading customer service. Our ability to design, build, run and support connectivity solutions that power our customers’ mission-critical applications is unmatched. 

 

For more information about CTS, visit cts1.com.

 

Media contact:

Susanne Hale

shale@cts1.com

(703) 927-0863

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Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport (MSP) completes successful trial of CTS CBRS-based Private Wireless Network-as-a-Service

Communication Technology Services (CTS), an in-building and campus connectivity solution provider, announced the successful completion of a trial of a CTS CBRS-based Private Wireless Network (PWN) with Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport (MSP). The Private Wireless Network-as-a-Service (NaaS) was commissioned by the Metropolitan Airports Commission (MAC), who provides aviation services to the Twin Cities metropolitan area. CTS deployed a turnkey managed Private LTE NaaS to demonstrate the benefits for six MSP applications. For each application, the CTS PWN trial met or exceeded the performance of current networking technologies while also identifying opportunities to increase operational flexibility, reduce time to deploy/relocate services and applications, and decrease operational costs.

(October 26, 2022) Marlborough, MA ‒ Communication Technology Services (CTS), an in-building and campus connectivity solution provider, announced the successful completion of a trial of a CTS CBRS-based Private Wireless Network (PWN) with Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport (MSP). The Private Wireless Network-as-a-Service (NaaS) was commissioned by the Metropolitan Airports Commission (MAC), who provides aviation services to the Twin Cities metropolitan area. CTS deployed a turnkey managed Private LTE NaaS to demonstrate the benefits for six MSP applications. For each application, the CTS PWN trial met or exceeded the performance of current networking technologies while also identifying opportunities to increase operational flexibility, reduce time to deploy/relocate services and applications, and decrease operational costs.

 

The PWN PoC study was performed in both laboratory and production environments at MSP. The use cases tested included general-purpose mobile device data connectivity, high-definition moving maps for workforce automation and industrial Internet of Things (IIoT) sensors for infrastructure monitoring and maintenance. Connectivity requirements varied from low bit rate (e.g. sensors), to high throughput (video surveillance, HD mapping), to ultra-reliable performance for mission-critical applications (e.g. infrastructure IoT), to highly secure operations (e.g. gate agent passenger processing).

 

Specific applications that were tested during the trial were:

•       Airside Maintenance Tracking- MSP ensures FAA Part 139 Airside Maintenance Tracking compliance and workflow management through a GIS application. The high-density (HD) maps that underlay the application require high throughput and latency for optimal performance. The PWN delivered a superior HD mapping experience across the designated coverage area.

•       Common Use System Equipment (CUSE) carts- MSP employs CUSE carts for shared airline passenger processing. The PWN featured an onsite packet gateway connected to the MAC IT LAN that securely tunneled traffic to the CUSE cart to leverage the existing PCI-compliant processing platform. The PWN delivered LTE authentication, access control, and over-the-air encryption to ensure data security.

•       Digital signage- MSP operates digital signs throughout the airport, assisting passengers with wayfinding, flight and entertainment services and advertising. The content consists of scrolling text, images and video that changes throughout the day. The PWN delivered predictable connectivity and opens new opportunities for MSP to introduce additional display locations, as well as pop-up displays, to optimize advertising placement and increase revenues.

•       Video surveillance- The airport’s CCTV system provides indoor and outdoor monitoring. The PWN enabled the test video camera to wirelessly connect to the central security system, The result was no discernable difference to the fiber optic connectivity in use today and significant cost savings over the existing wired connection.

•       Critical infrastructure monitoring- Intelligent Monitoring and Control System (IMACS) is the core component of MAC’s energy conservation program; it connects all energy-related systems and equipment. A dedicated network slice was provisioned on the PWN and mapped to the IMACS IP subnet. The PWN enabled the test controller to wirelessly connect to the IMACS platform with no discernable difference to the wired connectivity in use today.

•       Mobile enterprise applications- MSP employees use a variety of mobile devices to access MAC IT services. The PWN provided access to enterprise mobile applications with a more secure connection than Wi-Fi at a lower cost per bit than public network cellular.

 

Eduardo Valencia, Chief Information Officer, Metropolitan Airports Commission, said “At MAC, we are always looking for ways to leverage technology to provide innovative solutions and improve both operational efficiency and the customer experience.”

 

Robert Cerbone, CTS VP of Product Management and Marketing, said, “MAC’s history of innovation made MSP the perfect place to demonstrate the functionality of an LTE network for the delivery of mission-critical airport applications. The network designed and delivered by CTS performed well under pressure and illustrated some real world use cases that could benefit from the adoption of private cellular technology in the enterprise.”

 

 

About The Metropolitan Airports Commission (MAC)

The Metropolitan Airports Commission (MAC) owns and operates one of the nation’s largest airport systems, including Minneapolis-St Paul International (MSP) and six general aviation airports. The MAC’s airports connect the region to the world and showcase Minnesota’s extraordinary culture to millions of passengers from around the globe who arrive or depart through MAC airports each year. Though a public corporation of the state of Minnesota, the organization is not funded by income or property taxes. Instead, the MAC’s operations are funded by rents and fees generated by users of its airports. For more information, visit www.metroairports.org.

 

About CTS

CTS (Communication Technology Services) provides custom, carrier-grade connectivity solutions for enterprises and mobile network operators, solving and managing the most complex networking challenges. Leveraging our advanced design and network operations centers, CTS provides our customers with industry-leading customer service. Our ability to design, build, run and support connectivity solutions that power our customers’ mission-critical applications is unmatched. 

 

For more information about CTS, visit www.cts1.com.

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Communication Technology Services joins Samsung's Ascend Partner Program to deliver innovative, managed private wireless solutions for the enterprise

Communication Technology Services, LLC, (CTS) an in-building wireless managed service provider, announced a new partnership with Samsung Electronics America, a leading provider of smartphones and tablet computers. As a new member of the Samsung Ascend Partner Program for mobility solutions, CTS can now offer customers the most-recognized brand of ruggedized, secure mobile devices for frontline workers as part of its private wireless network solutions.

MARLBOROUGH, Mass., Oct. 28, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Communication Technology Services, LLC, (CTS) an in-building wireless managed service provider, announced a new partnership with Samsung Electronics America, a leading provider of smartphones and tablet computers. As a new member of the Samsung Ascend Partner Program for mobility solutions, CTS can now offer customers the most-recognized brand of ruggedized, secure mobile devices for frontline workers as part of its private wireless network solutions. 

Both companies bring joint expertise in devices and networks to help customers solve their private wireless network challenges. Customers will receive expert consultative advice from both sides and coordinated post-sale support.

"At CTS, it is critical that we create partnerships that add value to our end customers," said Dean Fresonke, CTS Vice President of Channel Development. "The team at Samsung brings both industry-leading devices and application-specific knowledge that will help our customers be more successful with their private wireless network deployments." In addition, Rob Cerbone, CTS VP of Product Management and Marketing, said, "CTS will combine Samsung's industrial device portfolio with applications from other ecosystem partners to deliver tailored, integrated solutions for customers in different verticals such as oil and gas, utilities, manufacturing and logistics."

Samsung's devices will run on CTS's custom, carrier-grade, in-building connectivity solutions for enterprises and mobile network operators. The devices will be managed and secured by Samsung Knox, a combination of a proven security foundation and a mature suite of business solutions.

The Samsung devices below have MIL-STD and IP-68 ratings for 4.5-foot drop tests, along with proven resistance to dust, dirt, sand and water. CTS plans to offer the following:

  • Samsung Galaxy Tab Active Pro- a rugged 10.1" tablet

  • Samsung Tab Active 3- a rugged, military-grade, 8" tablet

  • Samsung XCover Pro- a rugged, waterproof 6.3" smartphone

About CTS
CTS provides custom, carrier-grade, in-building and campus connectivity solutions for enterprises and mobile network operators, solving and managing the most complex networking challenges. Leveraging our advanced design and network operations centers, CTS provides our customers with industry-leading customer service. Our ability to design, build, run and support connectivity solutions that power our customers' mission-critical applications is unmatched. CTS only provides one solution: the one that's right for the customer. CTS is vendor agnostic, allowing customer requirements to drive the right design, using the right equipment, to fit each customer's specifications, anywhere across the country. From conception to construction to operations, CTS is the trusted connectivity partner.

For more information, visit https://www.cts1.com/.


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