Boingo Wireless Deploys DAS Network at Millennium Garages, Bringing Reliable Cellular Connectivity to the Largest Underground Parking System in North America

Boingo’s neutral host Distributed Antenna System (DAS) boosts cellular coverage, improving guest experience, safety and operational performance across 3.8 million square feet of underground space, transforming infrastructure into a connected digital hub

FRISCO, Texas--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Boingo Wireless, a leading provider of indoor distributed antenna systems (DAS), has deployed a new cellular network at Millennium Garages in Chicago, the largest underground parking system in North America.

Spanning 3.8 million square feet beneath Millennium Park, Maggie Daley Park and Grant Park, Millennium Garages includes more than 9,000 parking spaces across four facilities: Grant Park North, Grant Park South, Millennium Lakeside and Millennium Park Garage. Boingo custom-designed the DAS network to provide reliable underground cellular connectivity across the system, improving the experience for daily commuters, visitors, event guests and operating teams.

The new network supports cellular coverage from Tier One carriers and brings reliable mobile access across a critical downtown infrastructure asset serving Chicago’s central business district, lakefront, cultural institutions, parks and major events.

“Reliable cellular connectivity is now a core part of the guest experience,” said Paul Sanett, Chief Revenue Officer of Millennium Garages. “Whether guests are finding their way, accessing a reservation, making a mobile payment, coordinating with friends or contacting support, they expect their phones to work. This investment strengthens the way Millennium Garages serves Chicago every day and improves our ability to support the large-scale events that rely on our infrastructure.”

Located in the heart of downtown Chicago, Millennium Garages serves as a key access point for the Loop, the lakefront, the Art Institute of Chicago, the Harris Theater, the Chicago Cultural Center and other major destinations. The garages also play an important role during high-volume city events, including NASCAR Chicago Street Race weekend, Lollapalooza, concerts, festivals and major civic gatherings, when portions of the underground system are often used for operations, staging, media and logistics. Boingo’s DAS network provides more dependable cellular service in an environment where connectivity is essential to guest movement, staff coordination, safety and event operations.

“Connectivity is now essential infrastructure for high-traffic properties,” said Mike Finley, CEO of Boingo Wireless. “Millennium Garages presented a complex underground environment with significant daily use and major event demands. Our neutral host DAS network was designed to deliver the coverage, reliability and operational support required for a modern urban infrastructure asset.”

Boingo delivered the DAS network through its Network as a Service model, which provides design, installation, operation and maintenance through a managed service structure. The neutral host approach allows the system to support multiple carriers and scale with future wireless needs.

The deployment also supports the broader commercial evolution of Millennium Garages. With reliable underground connectivity, the property is better positioned to support digital parking products, mobile-first guest journeys, fleet users, autonomous vehicles, commercial tenants, major event partners and future technology integrations.

As a leading provider of wireless infrastructure, Boingo designs, builds and manages complex networks for major venues globally, including airports, stadiums, military bases and commercial real estate. Its secure, neutral host solutions are built with zero-trust architecture and 24/7 monitoring to meet high performance and cybersecurity standards.

For inquiries on installing or upgrading your property’s cellular connectivity with a neutral host DAS, email [e-mail]. Learn more at boingo.com.

About Boingo Wireless

Celebrating 25 years of connectivity innovation, Boingo Wireless, Inc. simplifies complex wireless challenges to connect people, business and things. We design, build and manage converged, neutral host public and private networks at major venues around the world. Boingo’s vast footprint of distributed antenna systems (DAS), Wi-Fi, small cells, macro towers, fiber and public safety Emergency Responder Communication Enhancement Systems (ERCES) securely powers innovation and connectivity in airports, transit stations, stadiums, military bases, hospitals, commercial properties and enterprises worldwide. Learn more at boingo.com.

About Millennium Garages

Millennium Garages operates four major underground parking facilities in downtown Chicago: Millennium Park Garage, Millennium Lakeside Garage, Grant Park North Garage and Grant Park South Garage. Together, the facilities provide more than 9,000 parking spaces beneath Millennium Park, Maggie Daley Park and Grant Park, making Millennium Garages the largest underground public parking system in North America. The garages serve residents, commuters, visitors and many of Chicago’s largest cultural, entertainment and civic destinations, while also supporting major events, commercial partners and downtown operations.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a Distributed Antenna System?

A Distributed Antenna System, or DAS, is a network of antennas installed throughout a property to deliver reliable cellular coverage and capacity. In large underground facilities, DAS helps distribute cellular signal across areas where outdoor towers cannot provide consistent service.

Why is cellular connectivity important in underground parking facilities?

Cellular connectivity improves the guest experience and supports safer, more efficient operations. Guests can access maps, parking reservations, mobile payments, messages, customer support and emergency communication. Operating teams can also communicate more effectively across large underground facilities.

How does Boingo support multi-carrier cellular coverage?

Boingo uses a neutral host model, which supports multiple wireless carriers. This helps visitors using different mobile providers access reliable cellular service throughout the property.

What is Boingo’s Network as a Service model?

Network as a Service is a managed service model where Boingo designs, installs, operates and maintains the wireless network for a property owner or manager. The model provides a predictable cost structure and ongoing operational support, including network monitoring and maintenance.