Business as Mutual: Frisco Station, AT&T Collaborate on Building Community Connected With 5G Tech

Frisco Station and AT&T Inc. are teaming up to make the development one of the first connected communities in the nation built from the ground up using AT&T’s 5G Evolution technology.

Once finished, the 242-acre mixed-use development will be a future-looking, robust place where people can innovate, engage, and collaborate.

Plans include enhanced wireless experience across its parks, residential options, hospitality units, and corporate spaces.

Frisco Station will feature the latest integrated connectivity from AT&T, including wireless stealth micro cells, ultra-fast internet powered by AT&T Fiber, and powerful Wi-Fi throughout its common areas.

“Frisco Station understands the future belongs to the individual.”
Ed Balcerzak

“Frisco Station understands the future belongs to the individual,” Ed Balcerzak, senior vice president of AT&T Connected Communities, said in a release. “With this development, we’re working together to give you more of your thing and connect you to the people, information, and entertainment you care about.”

It’s not the first DFW area smart technology collaboration involving AT&T.

AT&T has been working with the Dallas Innovation Alliance and other Dallas area tech leaders to create a Living Lab in the West End historic neighborhood in downtown Dallas. The city installed 23 new smart lighting solutions there using connected LED and intelligent controls.

Earlier this year, AT&T said it was delivering technology that can remotely monitor structural and environmental factors affecting the safety of roadways and infrastructure that are aging or in disrepair.

Courtesy Frisco Station

FRISCO STATION PARTNERSHIP LAYS FOUNDATION FOR FUTURE

At Frisco Station, the technology partnership affords the foundation needed for new innovations to be launched, such as Uber Air’s first Skyport and the recently announced drive.ai autonomous vehicle pilot program in the city. Frisco Station is one of the first developments in the U.S. to be served by a network of autonomous vehicles.

Hillwood announced last year that Frisco Station would be the site for one of the three Uber Air hubs in North Texas that could see air taxis operating from them by 2020. Full-scale operations could launch by 2023.

AT&T said the technology platform being integrated at Frisco Station will enable those innovative transit programs to develop faster, stronger, and more reliable connections between devices and applications.

Mike Berry, president of Hillwood, Frisco Station’s master developer, said the Frisco Station Partnership chose AT&T as its platform partner, because the telecom giant’s technology can “support a connected community at every stage.” The Rudman Partnership, HIllwood Properties, and VanTrust Real Estate comprise the Frisco Station Partnership.

“We believe we are creating a high-tech environment, unlike anywhere else in the country, that has the potential to change the way people think about what’s possible in their day-to-day interactions with people and information.”
Mike Berry

“We believe we are creating a high-tech environment, unlike anywhere else in the country, that has the potential to change the way people think about what’s possible in their day-to-day interactions with people and information,” he said.

The technology arrangement with AT&T will help Frisco Station proactively address current and future connectivity needs, and will make it be prepared for greater reliance on smart devices and automated platforms by connecting an anticipated 15,000-person daytime population, 5 million square feet of office, and 2,400 urban living residents to and from one of the fastest growing areas in the country.

“Frisco Station is one of the only projects in the country being built with the required infrastructure to support automated platforms for transportation, healthcare, entertainment and lifestyle advancements,” said Russell Laughlin, executive vice president of Hillwood.

“Through the 5G Evolution wireless technology and the latest integrated connectivity from AT&T, Frisco Station will have a robust platform for today’s data-driven communities. It has the distinction of being a destination for residents, employees, and visitors, and is setting the stage for future mixed-use developments.”

Frisco Station said its master plan is built on three-pillars designed to encourage smart, creative, and healthy experiences. And, the development’s enhanced wireless technology will provide a platform to encourage connectivity between Frisco’s emerging corporate and entertainment destinations.