In response to greater use of the Verizon Wireless network on campus, Verizon will add a cell phone antenna and other wireless telecommunications equipment to the roof of Riley Robb Hall.

Prof. Sheila Hemami, electrical and computer engineering, studies signal processing, working so that the deaf community too may take advantage of the cellular revolution.

“Sick! Thank God!” Deanna Surma ’12 exclaimed.

Had Surma just learned that Slope Day was sooner than she thought? No, she was actually reacting to the announcement that AT&T will build two new cell phone facilities on campus. After two-and-a-half to three years of contract negotiations, the facilities, which will be on Bradfield and Donlon Hall, will be completed by late summer.

These have been greeted with enthusiasm by students with AT&T who despair at the lack of good reception on North Campus.

“It’s awesome to hear,” said Philip Alley ’12. “North Campus is plagued with AT&T holes [of service] near Ujamaa and Balch as well as some areas in Donlon. Countless times I’ve been walking through North and my call has been dropped.”