With additional reporting by Erin Harkless
Cell phone users, rejoice. As debate preparations continue, many Washington University students are receiving an unexpected side benefit: excellent cell phone service.
In anticipation of increased demand on cell phone service networks, at least one area service provider has placed specially designed communications equipment on campus during the past week. Cheryl Bini, a spokeswoman for Verizon Wireless, said that the company wanted to make sure that campus visitors received adequate coverage.
“We want to make sure we’re meeting user demand,” said Bini. “Lots of people not usually there on campus will be using their phones at the same time, and we want the network running at the highest capacity.”
The large numbers of journalists who have converged on campus over the past few days are contributing to increased stress on communications networks. Along with cell phones, many media representatives carry a Palm Pilot or BlackBerry and have laptops that use wireless technology to access the Internet.
Bini said that Verizon has provided a COLT (Cell on Light Truck) system to the University for use during the debate week. According to the company’s Web site, the 25,000 lb. truck carries two retractable masts, a microwave antenna and an emergency power generator. A COLT can process several thousand calls per hour and has a service area that can extend up to 20 miles.
While a Verizon employee usually remains with the COLT to supervise the fully automated vehicle, the tight security around the debate venue has limited the company’s access to the equipment. Bini said she does not even know where the truck is parked on campus.
Many South 40 residents on the Verizon network have noticed a dramatic increase in the quality of their cell phone reception since the COLT arrived on campus.
Freshman Anna Finneran described the better coverage as “a wonderful phenomenon.” Previously, Finneran said it had been nearly impossible to make or receive calls from her room in Danforth House.
“[Usually] I can’t get [service] in my room unless I plaster my cheek to my window,” said Finneran. “I like having more service.”
Some students who subscribe to other providers have also noticed a positive change. On Tuesday night, Cingular customer Roby Gallotti, a freshman, was able to continue a cell phone conversation uninterrupted as he rode the Danforth elevator.
“Just in general, there’s better coverage inside the building,” said Gallotti. “Right now, I’m on full bars.”
Unfortunately for these residents, the COLT will leave campus this weekend, along with the rest of the debate equipment. Not content to return to a world of dropped calls and crackling reception, at least one student has already suggested a way to ensure that the Verizon service remains at its current levels.
“We should steal the wheels off the trucks so they stay there forever,” joked Finneran.