Wireless partners keep ASU connected
<p>ASU is going mobile with partnerships through Apple, Dell and Verizon Wireless.</p><separator></separator><p>A large number of ASU students already carry their own laptop or cell phone to campus, and ASU’s inter-campus buses are now equipped with wireless access as part of Verizon Wireless’ “Broadband to Go” program, which allows students and employees commuting between campuses to connect to the Internet from their laptops.</p><separator></separator><p>The program allows students to keep up with assignments while they ride, and ASU employees can check e-mail or continue working on a project during their road trips.</p><separator></separator><p>Plans to equip these buses with Global Positioning Systems (GPS) also are in progress. The GPS systems will make tracking bus routes online simple, and bus riders will be able to schedule their bus trips accordingly.</p><separator></separator><p>Verizon Wireless also is encouraging ASU faculty, staff and students to enroll in their emergency text messaging notification system.</p><separator></separator><p>Subscribers will receive a text message with instructions on what to do in times of an emergency, and the system will also act as a resource for further information. To subscribe, visit the Web site <a href="http://www.asu.edu/go/alert_text">www.asu.edu/go/alert_text</a>.</p><se… the start of the ASU 1:1 Computing program last year, nearly 2,000 students have purchased laptops through the 1:1 program, accounting for more than $3 million in sales. Apple and Dell sales were split fairly evenly, with 44 percent of students choosing Apple models and 56 percent choosing Dells. As a result, ASU is working to set up its campuses to accommodate its growing mobile population.</p><separator></separator><p>ASU recently launched the Technology Studio, a place where mobile students on the go can get tech support for their laptops. The Technology Studio is located in the Computing Commons on the Tempe campus and provides consulting services for students who need help setting up their new machines, or who have general questions about their computers, such as how to guard against computer viruses. Plans to open a technology studio at each of ASU’s other three campuses – Downtown Phoenix, Polytechnic and West – are under way.</p><separator></separator><p>As part of the 1:1 program, Apple and Dell return a portion of sales to fund the John Babb Scholarship, which provides financial assistance for eligible students toward the purchase of a new laptop. ASU 1:1 has awarded more than 100 scholarships since the program began.</p><separator></separator><p>For more information about ASU 1:1 Computing, visit the Web site <a href="http://www.asu.edu/1to1">www.asu.edu/1to1</a>.</p><separator></separato… learn more about ASU’s partnership with Verizon Wireless and the different calling plans available, go online to <a href="http://www.asu.edu/mobile">www.asu.edu/mobile</a>. To contact the Technology Studio, please e-mail TechStudio@asu.edu or call (480) 965-2843.</p><separator></separator><p>Jenny Lane, jenny.lane@asu.edu<br />University Technology Office</p>