Next football season, sending "Go Gators" text messages may not be as difficult for students at home games.
UF will start installing a system to increase cellphone service on campus this semester, according to John Madey, director of telecommunications for UF Computing and Networking Services.
The project is still in its design phase, but installation in Ben Hill Griffin Stadium is expected to begin in February, Madey said.
He said installation in the stadium will be completed in time for the first home football game this fall.
The system is expected to boost the performance and coverage of wireless devices, including smartphones with Wi-Fi, in specific areas of the school.
The device won't cost UF anything, Madey said. UF awarded AT&T the roughly $15-million contract in May, and AT&T will provide the funding.
The system is anticipated to boost call quality, data rate and battery life for users of all major cellphone companies. The goal is to reach three bars of service across campus, according to a news release.
When someone makes a call, his or her phone will use about 300 antennae throughout the stadium to connect the call. The antennae will be hidden in containers mounted on walls and ceilings, according to a news release.
The system is expected to spread across campus and will include Library West, the O'Connell Center and the Florida Innovation Hub at UF. The project is expected to be finished in two years, the release said.
Students said they will be glad to see cellphone reception improve on campus, especially during football games.
"I've noticed that during a game there is very poor cellphone reception," said Jennifer Norris, an 18-year-old occupational therapy freshman. "It takes a lot to send messages."
