Cowboys football fans frustrated by the loss of cell service in War Memorial Stadium might soon be able to reliably text, make calls and snap their chats again, in time for the remaining home games.
The stadium has seen a severe degradation of service this season. While it was previously merely inconsistent, now home game attendees are essentially cut off from the outside world.
“It’s definitely an issue,” said sophomore Sasha Stellern. “A person can’t send Snapchats or texts usually.”
Robert Aylward, vice president for information technology, compared the problem to an electrical circuit that can handle just under a maximum load before crashing. He suspects that there has simply been more traffic this season than War Memorial’s cell service systems could handle, due to expanded data plans and increased volume.
“We’re doing everything we possibly can to get improved cell service for those last three home games,” said Aylward.
The university’s IT department is working with Verizon network engineers to devise short-term and long-term solutions, with a focus on covering the remaining home games.
“One likely option they are considering is bringing in a mobile COW (Cell site On Wheels),” said Aylward.
The COW would take a load off the existing antennae, like opening new streets to unclog a traffic jam.
“For the long-term solution they are looking at either a DAS (Distributed Antenna System) configuration like in Mile High Stadium or a single antenna with multiple signal sources,” said Aylward.
Aylward is still working with Verizon and expects more updates as the homecoming game on Saturday, Oct. 28 draws near.
“We’re cautiously optimistic,” he said.
