T-Mobile users to see improved service on North Campus

Published March 4, 2016 This content is archived.

Over the past few years, UB has collaborated with Verizon Wireless to install a distributed antenna system (DAS) that increases cellular coverage in and around UB buildings on the North Campus.

Thanks to this DAS, Verizon customers are receiving better service in the Ellicott Complex, Governors, Student Union, Knox Hall, Norton Hall, Capen Hall, Talbert Hall, Natural Science Complex, Clemens Hall, Baldy Hall and Alumni Arena. Jacobs, Alfiero and Lockwood will be added to the DAS for Verizon customers as of the fall 2016 semester.

This system is designed to allow other cell carriers to work with Verizon Wireless to extend their cell signals in and around North Campus. And by the end of this spring, T-Mobile customers also will notice an improvement in Ellicott, Governors, Student Union and Knox.

A DAS is a series of low-power antennas that are strategically placed to extend cell coverage, similar to what an antenna system mounted on a radio tower would provide. The DAS simply extends cell signals to reach its customers inside the building instead of trying to bring service in from an exterior radio tower.

The DAS also frees up bandwidth from the cell tower around the North Campus to boost coverage for the neighboring community as well.

“It’s a win-win scenario,” says Jim Giardina, network analyst with Network and Classroom Services, part of UB Information Technology. “UB gets the bandwidth we need and the cell phone companies get extra bandwidth to support the nearby community.

“It was important to have one antenna system built to allow other cell carriers access to be able to enhance their cellular services, too,” Giardina adds.