 "Photo: Photo Illustration by Matt Lanter | Student Life")
Washington University will begin the installation of an interior cellular reception system within the Danforth University Center this week, hoping to alleviate network problems cited by many students.
According to Andrew Ortstadt, the associate vice chancellor for information systems and technology, the University has utilized Distributed Antenna Systems (DAS) as a solution for improving cellular phone coverage in specific areas of campus. DAS places antennas throughout an area to capture and relay cellular signals. This network connects to several cellular providers’ networks at a single point.
Similar systems have been installed in the Knight Center, Simon Hall and the parking garage of the Danforth University Center (DUC).
“How well these cellular signals penetrate into buildings depends on the location of the transmitter, the construction of the building and the number of walls and floors that are in the way,” Ortstadt said. “It is not unusual for rooms in the middle of buildings, away from windows or below ground to have limited cellular signals. Many of our buildings have heavy stone walls that tend to block radio or cellular signals.”
According to a University press release, all licensed cellular service carriers in the St. Louis area have been invited to become part of the new system.
“T-Mobile has become the first carrier to connect to the system, and T-Mobile customers are now able to more reliably make and receive cell calls inside these buildings,” the statement read. “Sprint plans to complete their connection to the system by the end of the year.”
According to Bill Darby, director of the DUC, construction of the system within the DUC begins this week with hopes that it will be completed by Jan. 2009.
Plans to include more carriers in the system are currently under review. There are no plans to extend the system to other buildings on campus.
“We are talking to three additional carriers about connecting to the system,” Ortstadt said. “I would expect that we will continue to evaluate further implementation in places where there is a need for reliable multi-carrier coverage, but there are no other buildings currently scheduled.”
Ortstadt said he was not able to share the financial arrangements that the University has with the cellular providers.
According to Ortstadt, the initial results of the DAS installation have been favorable.
“The signal readings captured with RF meters and test phones indicate strong signals inside the spaces where the DAS is implemented,” he said.
For those who use carriers that have hooked up to the system, the response has been positive.
“I was downstairs in the computer lab in Simon Hall and I had full service, which is unheard of,” freshman Jessica Lee, a student in the business school and a T-Mobile user, said.
But students who use carriers that have not connected to the DAS have reported that the cellular signal is still poor.
“AT&T phone service here would be a legitimate reason to transfer out of this university,” freshman Sankalp Bhan said. “A week and a half ago, I went to Simon Hall to study computer science and there was no service.”
In addition to installing DAS, the University has been working alongside St. Louis area cellular providers on other methods to improve cellular signal reception throughout campus. In response, many cellular providers have installed new equipment around the Danforth Campus and residential areas.
According to a statement on the Student Technology Services Web site, many new cell towers have been built on the South 40.
“Verizon just completed a new cell site on Mudd Hall, and we have reports of much better reception by those users,” the statement read. “U.S. Cellular is installing equipment to improve reception in the Village House, and also has a tower on the intramural field. AT&T has a proposal for new equipment that is currently under review.”
The construction of these new towers has been effective in bringing about stronger cellular signals.
“When I first arrived on campus, Verizon service was almost non-existent,” freshman Jack Marshall said. “Since the tower was installed, it’s like night and day. Now I actually receive text messages in real time.”
With additional reporting by Lauren Olens
My advice to you all is to let the EE School tell you the who,where,what,when and why.I suspect that money to erect the towers and their extensions inside buildings trumps public health concerns at who's expense?Yours.