Spring Break
Cell-tower to be finished by March
Parrish, McGinty enumerate benefits to students, campus from project, includimg no cost for building
By Marjorie Dugan
in NewsIssue date: 2/19/09 Section: News
Construction for the new cell tower has begun. The construction is being done by the Cellco/Verizon Co. and the site is off College Drive by the Facilities Building.
Richard Parrish, vice president of planning and administration, said that the construction will not cost the college any money, and the tower will be used by Verizon and shared with T-Mobile and Metro P.C. companies. Parrish said after the tower is completed, it "will initially be used for better cell-phone reception among students." He added the tower is "a monetary benefit and a way to generate income without any cost to the college."
James McGinty, executive vice president, said there are many potential uses for the cell tower in the future.
He said one is a limited broadcast system for an AM or FM radio station to cover the campus. He said that would be similar to what Six Flags Great Adventure uses.
He also said the tower could be used as a hard-wire line linking the main campus and the Southern EducationCenter.
It also would provide an inexpensive and reliable backup system if needed.
The tower would also allow for a link among fire departments, hospitals and police stations in case OCC becomes more involved with off-campus training in future, McGinty said.
He also said in case of anemergency or as needed, the tower would allow for a siren-and-loud-speaker system that would be loud and clear enough for the entire campus to hear but quiet enough to not disturb the college's neighbors.
"The goal at the present seems to be making sure the entire campus is wireless, from the soccer fields to Parking Lot 1," McGinty said. He added,
"As technology increases and the college has a need for more advanced forms of communication, the tower will be a good investment for future needs."
Parrish said the cell tower should be completed in March, weather permitting.
Richard Parrish, vice president of planning and administration, said that the construction will not cost the college any money, and the tower will be used by Verizon and shared with T-Mobile and Metro P.C. companies. Parrish said after the tower is completed, it "will initially be used for better cell-phone reception among students." He added the tower is "a monetary benefit and a way to generate income without any cost to the college."
James McGinty, executive vice president, said there are many potential uses for the cell tower in the future.
He said one is a limited broadcast system for an AM or FM radio station to cover the campus. He said that would be similar to what Six Flags Great Adventure uses.
He also said the tower could be used as a hard-wire line linking the main campus and the Southern EducationCenter.
It also would provide an inexpensive and reliable backup system if needed.
The tower would also allow for a link among fire departments, hospitals and police stations in case OCC becomes more involved with off-campus training in future, McGinty said.
He also said in case of anemergency or as needed, the tower would allow for a siren-and-loud-speaker system that would be loud and clear enough for the entire campus to hear but quiet enough to not disturb the college's neighbors.
"The goal at the present seems to be making sure the entire campus is wireless, from the soccer fields to Parking Lot 1," McGinty said. He added,
"As technology increases and the college has a need for more advanced forms of communication, the tower will be a good investment for future needs."
Parrish said the cell tower should be completed in March, weather permitting.
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