The downtown Columbia campus of the University of South Carolina is to be completely covered with Wi-Fi broadband services according to a recent announcement from the US internet service provider AT&T.
Access to the internet is to be made available to areas in and around the 160 buildings on the campus and the plans will provide 30 000 staff, faculty and student with wireless broadband connectivity from almost anywhere on the site.
These new plans with provide the campus with complete coverage for the first time, although wireless internet access in currently available at the Russell House student center, Thomas Cooper Library and a small number of other buildings on campus.
Kyle Herron, the USC Communications Infrastructure Director said “The issue has been that a lot of our students are more mobile now,” said USC Communications Infrastructure Director Kyle Herron. “And when they get inside of the buildings, we have a situation where it may not be the same Wi-Fi that they had or it may be managed by an individual school. or by an individual department. So it’s not a seamless connection. For a campus of this size, having complete Wi-Fi coverage is no small feat. That’s a very big deal.”
The President of the USC, Harris Pastides said “We have a rich history of providing the best educational tools for our students and support for our faculty and staff, so AT&T was a clear choice for us because of their experience and expertise in offering premium Wi-Fi service.”
This latest wireless infrastructure plan will make AT&T the primary source for Wi-Fi network services.
The senior vice president for GEM markets, Xavier Williams said “We are truly excited to offer the USC campus community the opportunity to stay connected to what’s important to them, whether it’s a late night study session, an online lecture, class registration, or social networking with other students from across the globe.”
Source – www.wmbfnews.com