DCU Center to unveil Wi-Fi upgrades this week

Photo | Grant Welker The DCU Center in Worcester

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By Zachary Comeau

The DCU Center’s Wi-Fi system just got an upgrade to that includes a tenfold increase in internet speed and capacity to accommodate over 10,000 users simultaneously, the arena and Worcester officials announced Wednesday.

The project to enhance the building’s Wi-Fi capabilities began in September, which included a design of the Wi-Fi system and selecting equipment installers.

The initial launch is scheduled for this week, but completion of the final phase of the project to ensure extreme reliability will take place over the next few months.

In a statement, City Manager Edward Augustus Jr. said the DCU Center now looks to compete with other Northeast arenas to keep its market share of events, improve guest experiences and increase attendance.

The DCU Center cited guest and client feedback that noted the lack of Wi-Fi service in the arena and convention center as the service that needed most improvement.

Improvements include facility-wide access points for users, a tenfold increase in internet speed and the ability to allow more than 10,000 users to access the network at the same time.

Clients of the DCU Center will have enhanced services for event production, speaker presentations and media access, according to officials.

The arena recently hosted the NCAA men’s ice hockey Northeast regional, when a controlled roll-out included for event production and media only included more than 500 simultaneous internet connections.

“This upgrade is yet another step towards ensuring that DCU Center remains technologically competitive within the live event and convention/meeting landscape,” said DCU Center General Manager Sandy Dunn. “Connectivity has become an expectation by promoters and patrons throughout the industry and we look to meet and, when possible, exceed those expectations.”