Mobility Project
TCU Master Mobility Plan
Texas Christian University (TCU) launched its Master Mobility Plans in early 2010 and continues today with the deployment of Wireless Carrier’s technology being installed throughout the university’s property.
TCU is committed and shares the vision that our mobile environment plays a key-role in TCU’s community, as well as all aspects of our daily-life on campus.
The beginning of a new school year, you may have noticed Cellular Antennas located throughout our campus grounds; it’s all part of the university’s mission to improve cell phone coverage on-campus.
Outlined below, describes our progress, various phases that been completed, areas scheduled to be started, and future plans under review. These endeavors are part of TCU’s Master Mobility initiatives for Today & Beyond.
Introduction – Cell Phone Campus Coverage
Spurred by students’ voracious appetites for smart phones and broadband mobile devices, the demand for wireless service and bandwidth-intensive mobile applications has grown dramatically at TCU. The next-generation 4G technology will provide the same or even better speeds than the traditional wire line data networks. Therefore, demand for wireless data will continue to grow and can be met by deploying Distributive Antennas System (DAS) networks in TCU’s community.
TCU selected American Tower Corporation (ATC) in deploying a Neutral Host – Outside Distributive Antennas System (oDAS) solution, which serves the university’s wireless coverage and capacity requirement on the campus grounds.
Cell Phone – Campus Environment
TCU’s footprint incorporates well over 3 million square feet of building space, 265 acres of property, and 80 plus buildings; all having priorities. That being said, we have an unwavering commitment to achieve our mission. However, success of a Plan of this type requires prudent planning, whereby we maximize the initial design method that positions the University of having infrastructure and a DAS platform in place, which supports current and future expansions.
oDAS Campus Coverage
ATC completed its Phase 2 installation of the oDAS early in 2013. Phase 2 is comprised of the University’s commons areas on the property. The slide below, shows ATC’s Cell Phone Testing for Phase 2’s obecitve. The “green” colors represent acceptable signal coverage, by the Wireless Carriers.
The campus design consisted of eight (8) dual-sector antenna nodes sites and placed in strategic locations on the university’s common grounds. The objective was to provide outdoor and indoor coverage, design. The initial objective was to design & install outdoor solutions, and then determine in-building improvements and/or enhancements.
All the antenna nodes sites have been designed with an “outside – in” design, by placing the DAS nodes sites throughout the campus and in close proximity to potential in-building priorities.
Additionally, it should be noted; now that Worth Hills Dormitories are occupied, we have engaged ATC and its engineering team to begin an evaluation to expand & improve coverage, as well as meet capacity demands within these areas.
The following describes the four major Wireless Carriers’ that TCU has engaged a dialog with, as well as their status, being a part of ATC’s oDAS Campus Coverage:
AT&T
T-MOBILE
VERIZON
SPRINT
SPRINT HAS NOT SHOWN INTEREST OF BEING A PART OF ATC’S ODAS FOR TCU’S CAMPUS OR TCU’S STADIUM VENUE.
YOUR SUPPORT LINK
We have created a link below for your comments and/or to register complaints with your Wireless Carrier. We will compile your feedback and use as part of our discussions with the Wireless Carriers for the need of participating in TCU’s Master Mobility Plans on-campus.
For your convenience, we have listed the Wireless Carrier’s Customer Service Numbers:
- VERIZON – CUSTOMER SERVICE NUMBER: 1-800-922-0204
- SPRINT – CUSTOMER SERVICE NUMBER: 1-888-211-4727
- T-MOBILE – CUSTOMER SERVICE NUMBER: 1-800-937-8997 OR DIAL 611
- AT&T – CUSTOMER SERVICE NUMBER: 1-800-331-0500
Note: AT&T has a free app you can download, “Mark your Spot”. The app allows user to register & record specific call experiences real-time.