The Vanguard Alliance for the Advancement of Wireless Technologies

MEMBERS:

The Pennsylvania State University, Cellular One' and NORTEL (Northern Telecom).

OBJECTIVE:

The Alliance strives to position itself as a national leader in the research, development and deployment of advanced wireless information technology. By doing so, it aims to enrich the quality-of-life of all Pennsylvanians through unique educational and economic opportunities.

ALLIANCE TERM:

The Alliance term is from July 1, 1997 through June 30, 2001, with provisions for it to continue based on the members' future goals.

OVERVIEW OF EVENTS:

Cellular One engineers used wireless telecommunications equipment provided by NORTEL to construct a state-of-the-art (TDMA, IS-136), digital, wireless communications network for Penn State's University Park campus. This $6.5 million investment created the largest private wireless network of its kind in the world. As a result, the project provides the University with a rich atmosphere to advance student education, research and help develop future wireless information technologies. The Alliance will foster the University's commitment to enhance the use of information technology by dramatically impacting how and where Penn State faculty, staff and students communicate and gain access to information. It will utilize the very latest technological developments to enhance personal communications and data transmission.

TRIAL SERVICES:

The wireless technologies include digital voice and data communications. Initial features of the digital wireless phone service include short messaging service, extension phone capabilities, calling line identification, message waiting indicator and extended talk and stand-by time. Data features include wireless access to the campus information network, e-mail and the Internet using Cellular Digital Packet Data (CDPD). Cellemetry applications will also be explored to remotely monitor heating, lighting, alarms and other campus-wide systems.
 
 

IMPORTANCE TO:

University Park Campus:

The digital network will eventually allow all members of the campus community to enjoy the convenience of advanced wireless information technology. However, more importantly, the Alliance will provide the University's faculty, staff and students with an opportunity to play a major role in the research and development of future wireless information technologies.

State College and Pennsylvania:

The Alliance aims to enrich the quality-of-life of all Pennsylvanians. It creates a technological environment suitable for rapid economic development, and also provides an opportunity to explore the use of wireless technology to make more efficient use of community and statewide resources.

The Nation and the World:

This is the first Alliance of its kind in the country for the wireless industry. As a result, the knowledge gained will be of interest to the telecommunications industry, the national system of higher education and the public-at-large. As mentioned previously, we believe the private, wireless digital network established through the Alliance to be the largest of its kind in the world. Because of its prominence there should be global interest in its functionality and the social implications of a "micro-wireless world."

SCHOLARSHIP:

Cellular One will provide a scholarship to the University of $25,000 each year of the Alliance. Also, Cellular One will provide five summer intern positions each year for students during the term of the Alliance.

ADDITIONAL FUNDING:

Cellular One will provide to the University $100,000 annually to help stimulate further research and fund incremental program costs associated with the Alliance.