b'46 YYC INFO TECHNOLOGYantenna system, which captures and Having a private network helps the airportdistributes cellular signals throughout prepare for future technology changes. the terminal to provide wireless coverage for passengers and staff with minimal dead spots. The airport purchased what it describes as the core, a server configurated to connect the network within the airports property lines. Teams from TELUS and the airport met frequently at the beginning of the project, and then transitioned to weekly check-ins and later meeting every two weeks for major milestones. As the implementation date approached, they resumed weekly meetings.Every time we met with them, the risk register had pretty much nothing on it, Cameron reports. Our organizations worked well together.Return on InvestmentBaxter emphasizes that an airports network isnt just infrastructure; its the foundation of all operations. TELUS built YYCs wireless network to ensure that the airport never has to choose between latency secure network that lets devicesexplains. Currently, physical SIM cards areperformance, security and support, she connect smoothly using private LTE or 5G.the only option, but eSIM will be availableadds. On top of that, the network keeps to YYC later this year. An eSIM is a digital100% of user device data on-site with full Baxter explains that ultra-fast meanslocal survivability capabilities, ensuring data is transferred very quickly, and lowversion of a built-in SIM card that allows system administrators to activate a useroperations continue uninterrupted even latency means there is virtually no delaywhen a user or device is isolated from during the process of data transfer. Thiswithout inserting a card into the device. It works by downloading a digital profile toexternal networks.is crucial for real-time applications such as video security systems, where a delaythe devices embedded chip, which canOur private core infrastructure delivers could compromise security, or for trackingbe done via a quick-response code, a linkup to 99.999 percent uptime, Baxter baggage and equipment, where instantfrom a carrier or software.specifies. That ensures mission-critical updates are essential for efficiency, sheapplications and devices stay connected elaborates. To put it another way, insteadScalable Future-Proofing when it matters most. of sharing a public road with everyoneIn Canada, there are three mainThe new wireless network is also highly (which can get congested and slow), thistelecommunications companies thatscalable, which speaks to the future-network is your own private highway forprovide network services: TELUS, Rogersproofing technology Calgary Airports all of your critical airport devices, ensuringand Bell. All three are well establishedvalues. consistent performance and reliability.across the country and offer related infrastructure and most of the neededIf other airports have questions about Cameron notes that safety and securityequipment.the technology or process, Cameron have long been priorities for the Calgaryencourages them to reach out. He has Airports Information Technology team, andAs Calgary Airports started to reviewalready spoken candidly about the project the new private wireless network providesits three options for a private wirelesswith a number of Canadian and U.S. an additional layer of digital protectionnetwork, the IT team established someairports, and welcomes more inquiries. because it integrates with the airportsparameters for its requirements. Major criteria were service, cost and the abilityI applaud our team at YYC and TELUS firewalls. Nothing can be connected to thefor working together on this project, network without a physical or electronicto integrate all of its existing systems and networks. At that time, the airport was inhe says. It was one of the smoothest SIM module, making it impossible toprojects in recent memory. connect by hacking a password, Baxterthe process of upgrading its distributed November | December 2025AirportImprovement.com'