ITS dials up cellphone reception

ITS dials up cellphone reception

October 9, 2015

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Cellphone reception inside campus buildings is improving as a result of a project led by Information Technology Services (ITS).

Working with ITS, Bell Mobility is installing new in-building antenna systems at several locations. While the technology is provided by Bell, customers of other carriers – Telus, Virgin and Koodo – will benefit from the upgrades. Queen’s is actively encouraging Rogers Wireless and Wind Mobile to provide their customers with this enhanced service, and both continue to investigate the option to connect to the system.

“The Queen’s community has come to rely on cellphones and smartphones on a daily basis to support their educational, business and personal needs. However, reliable service inside Queen’s buildings has been hit and miss because outdoor antenna systems have struggled to keep up with the density of devices in the downtown area and on main campus,” says Hugh Flemington, Project Lead. “We anticipate this project will reduce the number of times users experience dropped calls or can’t find a signal.”

ITS set the initial priorities for the multi-year project based on buildings that typically house or host a large number of people, as well as areas known to have poor cellphone reception. The new antenna system is operating in Goodes Hall, Stauffer Library, Queen’s Centre and Victoria Hall. Systems in Brant House, David C. Smith House and Watts Hall will be in service by the end of September.

In addition to main campus improvements, west campus will soon benefit from a new Bell antenna on John Orr Tower to relieve capacity issues in the neighbourhood on event and high-traffic days.

ITS will continue to consult with its advisory boards and get feedback from student groups and Residences as it determines sites for future installations.