Large Implications of the Uverse/ATT Deal

[Darth Snow]

Per Wilner... AT&T is going to be investing in upgrading all P12 stadiums' internet infrastructure.

Scott is acutely aware that technology (big screens, split screens, HD, etc.) has created intense competition for the viewer’s time and money.“Sports are at risk if we can’t make sure the experience at the stadium surpasses the experience at home,’’ Scott said.
“That’s especially true for younger kids. If they aren’t connecting and accessing as soon as they walk into a stadium, it’s like their oxygen has been cut off.’

To provide the ultimate experience, stadiums need not only cell service for calls and text messaging but also enough WiFi capacity to handle 50,000+ fans downloading video and data and engaging in social media.The cell transmission component is called DAS, for Distributed Antenna System. Eight of the 12 schools have acceptable-or-better DAS in their stadiums, according to Scott.
He didn’t name the four that aren’t up to snuff. But AT&T, under the terms of the agreement, will invest in DAS infrastructure to ensure that every stadium will be well-connected for cell service by the start of the 2014 season.

Once the Pac-12 gets the DAS issue fixed over the next 12 months, it will dive deep into the necessary WiFi infrastructure upgrades.“Over what timeframe, what level of investment and what the business model is” — whether the conference foots the entire bill or AT&T provides financial support — “those are all details we have to work out,” Scott said.
“It’s no small investment, but AT&T is an expert in this area.

Smart deal.

 

[NashBuff]

I guess you can call me one of those old farts even if I'm just 34...what happened to simply watching the game?

 

[TDbuff]

I guess you can call me one of those old farts even if I'm just 34...what happened to simply watching the game?

I don't know if it's been this bad in Folsom, but I've been in stadiums where you get basically no cell service in the stadium because of the huge crowd in the area all trying to use their cell phones at once. I've had trouble checking scores of other games, or even sending a text.

 

[4DemBuffs]

I guess you can call me one of those old farts even if I'm just 34...what happened to simply watching the game?

Unpossible. U must always b able to like text your bff always! Like OMG! lol

 

[tante]

I don't know if it's been this bad in Folsom, but I've been in stadiums where you get basically no cell service in the stadium because of the huge crowd in the area all trying to use their cell phones at once. I've had trouble checking scores of other games, or even sending a text.

it is pretty bad in Folsom.

 

[Buffnik]

I'm really happy to see this. Things like this are what will separate the Pac-12. I like to be able to text people during a game. I like to be able to check other scores. I'm sure I'd like to access it if there was something interactive with the scoreboard like replays. And I'm one of the "old farts". We talk a lot about declining attendance for live sporting events as more people watch from home. We bitch about students not showing up on time or in sufficient numbers. Well, this is exactly the type of thing that helps those situations by improving the fan experience particularly for younger people.

 

[Dark Bohner]

I guess you can call me one of those old farts even if I'm just 34...what happened to simply watching the game?

Actually it was the old farts that were the pioneers of multi media at football games. How many times have you seen some grumpy looking old dude in his 30 year old starter jacket listening to the game on the radio with his giant head phones? I'm all for it.

However, I think in priniciple I totally agree on the "enhanced" experience of smartphones, ipads etc. I was reading recently about how Disney was promoting The Little Mermaid in theaters and telling kids to bring their ipads or smartphones and play along with in-movie games during the film. WTF? How do you enjoy a movie when you are engrossed in your tablet?

 

[sackman]

I get a text during a game and it typically goes unanswered until the drive home.


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[slider]

Ya Folsom has to be one of the 4

 

[absinthe]

it is pretty bad in Folsom.

yes it is, you cant even call to coordinate meet ups with other people.

 

[Orangebuff]

For example, in Philly the Eagles installed wifi in their stadium this season. When on in-stadium wifi, you can watch NFL redzone channel for free through the Eagles mobile app. Also can mirror the jumbotron video onto phone to get a closer look at replays.

 

[leftybuff]

Smart move overall. Larry Scott knows where the market is going. I am not sure that I am ready to go with the market, however. Sporting events, at least in my opinion, should be relaxing. I went to a Rockies game recently, and found the sensory overload to be nearly that of what you experience in a casino. Everyone seems to be enchanted by the bright shiny object known as their personal electronic device. I guess I just don't need that much sensory input. And for that, I am thankful.

 

[4DemBuffs]

Smart move overall. Larry Scott knows where the market is going. I am not sure that I am ready to go with the market, however. Sporting events, at least in my opinion, should be relaxing. I went to a Rockies game recently, and found the sensory overload to be nearly that of what you experience in a casino. Everyone seems to be enchanted by the bright shiny object known as their personal electronic device. I guess I just don't need that much sensory input. And for that, I am thankful.

I'm with you. It annoys me so much when I see groups of people and instead of talking and enjoying one another's company they are on their phones texting. Or worse is a couple out to dinner and they are on their phones texting.

 

[Buffnik]

I'm with you. It annoys me so much when I see groups of people and instead of talking and enjoying one another's company they are on their phones texting. Or worse is a couple out to dinner and they are on their phones texting.

Why does that annoy you if you're not in that group or part of that dinner couple?

 

[Dark Bohner]

Why does that annoy you if you're not in that group or part of that dinner couple?

It actually kind of annoys me as well. What is the point of "getting together" with friends for an event where all you are doing is being plugged in to your device, which is effectively no different than what you could be doing at home alone.

Put down the electronic crack for 5 minutes and enjoy what you actually went out to do.

 

[leftybuff]

I'm with you. It annoys me so much when I see groups of people and instead of talking and enjoying one another's company they are on their phones texting. Or worse is a couple out to dinner and they are on their phones texting.

I enjoy technology too....it is nice to make and receive calls on the cellphone, but it is expressly at my convenience. I am not ready to become Pavlovian about it. I sit in meetings, with several people sometimes, and one person's phone goes off and they tune everyone out to check their device, and sometimes respond to the text or take the call. On rare occasions, I just leave the meeting at that point, if I feel like I can get away with it. Watching herds of people roaming around together, all transfixed by their mobile devices, is one of the weirder sights in the modern world.

 

[4DemBuffs]

Why does that annoy you if you're not in that group or part of that dinner couple?

I just think its sad. I grew with a family that ate at the table together and talked. Why are you with them if you have no interest in talking with them? Seems like one is waiting for something better to happen rather than making the best of where they are. And when it's a couple out for a nice dinner, christ, pay attention to who you love. That text can friggin wait. I understand and accept that there are exceptions to this general rule and I am fine by that but generally speaking, the person you are with >>>>>>>> than the one your not with.

 

[4DemBuffs]

I enjoy technology too....it is nice to make and receive calls on the cellphone, but it is expressly at my convenience. I am not ready to become Pavlovian about it. I sit in meetings, with several people sometimes, and one person's phone goes off and they tune everyone out to check their device, and sometimes respond to the text or take the call. On rare occasions, I just leave the meeting at that point, if I feel like I can get away with it. Watching herds of people roaming around together, all transfixed by their mobile devices, is one of the weirder sights in the modern world.

That **** goes on in meetings? I would blow my top if that happened while I was trying to hold a meeting unless there was a reasonable explanation. I would have to go all Mora on their asses. :lol:

 

[somebody]

What annoys me is if I'm in someone's office and talking to them, and they answer the phone. WTF? I'm right here and I should have your complete attention. I ignore the phone, or I make sure to tell a visitor that I've been waiting for this call and can't miss it.

 

[Buffnik]

It actually kind of annoys me as well. What is the point of "getting together" with friends for an event where all you are doing is being plugged in to your device, which is effectively no different than what you could be doing at home alone.

Put down the electronic crack for 5 minutes and enjoy what you actually went out to do.

I just think its sad. I grew with a family that ate at the table together and talked. Why are you with them if you have no interest in talking with them? Seems like one is waiting for something better to happen rather than making the best of where they are. And when it's a couple out for a nice dinner, christ, pay attention to who you love. That text can friggin wait. I understand and accept that there are exceptions to this general rule and I am fine by that but generally speaking, the person you are with >>>>>>>> than the one your not with.

So it's an annoyance with society changing in a way that's not for the better? I guess I can see that. I kind of like it, though. People zoned out on their portable idiot box generally keeps the noise level around me down vs if they were having actual conversations.

 

[GoonieBuff]

it is pretty bad in Folsom.

It's why I switched to Verizon four years ago.

 

[4DemBuffs]

So it's an annoyance with society changing in a way that's not for the better? I guess I can see that. I kind of like it, though. People zoned out on their portable idiot box generally keeps the noise level around me down vs if they were having actual conversations.

Well, sure. If you are around an idot it is a pleasure to have them texting and not speaking. That is a fringe benefit. :lol:

But generally speaking, it is a definite change for the worse for society. Shoot, if I were out with LBuff, 90 or Snow, I would have the respect for them to put my phone down and talk to them and get to know them and hopefully get a friendship going rather than the bad relationship we have over the internet. I just think its the right thing to do and I would rather have it that way.

 

[tante]

It's why I switched to Verizon four years ago.

I have Verizon

 

[leftybuff]

That **** goes on in meetings? I would blow my top if that happened while I was trying to hold a meeting unless there was a reasonable explanation. I would have to go all Mora on their asses. :lol:

I get it if somebody prefaces there taking of a call with something like "I have a sick child at home" "my car is in the shop and they are supposed to call me" but sometimes that isn't the case. Unfortunately, I have had to deal with people who are repeat offenders. It is really annoying. I was at a family gathering one time having an enjoyable conversation with a relative who stopped in midsentence to answer the cell, picking up an entirely different conversation with someone else. I just got up and walked away. The weird thing to me was they were surprised and somewhat offended.

 

[J.R. Ewing]

I get it if somebody prefaces there taking of a call with something like "I have a sick child at home" "my car is in the shop and they are supposed to call me" but sometimes that isn't the case. Unfortunately, I have had to deal with people who are repeat offenders. It is really annoying. I was at a family gathering one time having an enjoyable conversation with a relative who stopped in midsentence to answer the cell, picking up an entirely different conversation with someone else. I discovered up and walked away. The weird thing to me was they were surprised and somewhat offended.

I'm an ops engineer. I'm responsible for some pretty expensive operations going on 24/7 365. Unfortunately, I have to be that guy. I hate doing it.

 

[leftybuff]

I'm an ops engineer. I'm responsible for some pretty expensive operations going on 24/7 365. Unfortunately, I have to be that guy. I hate doing it.

Like I said, I get it that there are important calls people have to take. I don't get bent when a doc, I know a couple, check their phones...for all I know they are on call and somebody really needs them. When the end of the call I hear goes something like, "Sure, we're going shopping tomorrow..", it is pretty damned annoying. Same thing goes at a store, I am at the counter conducting business and the phone rings. If the clerk answers it to answer the question of some joker sitting at home in his underwear while I went to the trouble of coming all the way to the store, I walk.

 

[Buffnik]

If that happens, the best thing to do is get your own phone out and call the person you are with. When he answers, sweetly tell him that you are trying to be respectful of his preferred method of conversation. He'll get the message.

 

[leftybuff]

:lol:

If that happens, the best thing to do is get your own phone out and call the person you are with. When he answers, sweetly tell him that you are trying to be respectful of his preferred method of conversation. He'll get the message.

:lol: That. Is. Brilliant.

 

[gone native]

It actually kind of annoys me as well. What is the point of "getting together" with friends for an event where all you are doing is being plugged in to your device, which is effectively no different than what you could be doing at home alone.

Put down the electronic crack for 5 minutes and enjoy what you actually went out to do.

OK, whatever, grandpa

 

[Dark Bohner]

OK, whatever, grandpa

:lol:

If you met me, I don't think you would put me anywhere in the realm of Grandpa. Haven't even done the Pa part yet. I have all of the latest and greatest tech out there when it comes to computers, smartphones and tablets, but I also know when to turn them off.