ITSD Works with Cell Providers to Improve Network Coverage 10/26/2009 4:47:13 PM  E-Mail With mobile device usage rapidly becoming an integral part of academic and social life, UNCW is taking action to ensure that students, faculty and staff have the coverage they need on campus and in the surrounding areas. The Information Technology Systems Division (ITSD) worked with AT&T to bring the first 3G network site in Wilmington to campus. The AT&T 3G network became available Oct. 1 with the placement of an antenna on the UNCW water tower. This upgrade improves coverage on campus and the surrounding areas and offers a more robust platform for mobile applications and technologies. "Enhanced 3G network service goes a long way in our strategy to provide UNCW students, faculty and staff with improved, state-of-the-art, hand-held communications technology," said Debra Saunders-White, vice chancellor of ITSD. "To be in a position to advance improved network coverage to our university community and collaborate with AT&T to realize Wilmington's first 3G antenna on top of the UNCW water tower has been a mutually gratifying experience." Cellular users should see a dramatic improvement in service and coverage on campus, according to Ron Vetter, professor of computer science, who has been involved with his students in the development of numerous mobile applications. "The enhanced network service will greatly benefit faculty, staff and students as interactive text messages and other data services are now almost instantaneous over the 3G network," he said. Philip Covington, a UNCW student, also expressed his satisfaction with the new coverage. "I'm really glad UNCW got 3G on campus," he said. "It comes in handy when Wi-Fi isn't available." While this upgrade improves service for AT&T users, a Verizon antenna has also been added to the water tower to increase its campus coverage. Growth in wireless technologies is diverse, and various applications will continue to require strengthening of the campus's wireless capabilities. In addition, E-911 depends on the local cellular carrier's wireless ability to receive a 911 call. For phase two of the plan to improve coverage, UNCW will work with the state to build a 150-foot monopole in the residential area of campus. This three-sided directional antenna system will increase coverage at the back of campus and inside the residence halls. The monopole will be constructed and paid for by Verizon, and ownership will be transferred to the state once construction is completed in early 2010. The state has signed contracts with each carrier and will charge a yearly fee to use the monopole, and the maintenance will be the responsibility of the vendors who occupy it. As cellular and mobile technologies change, UNCW and ITSD will continue to research and plan for those changes to offer the best possible service on campus.