Verizon Wireless Hosts UT Wireless Communications Field Trip
By Chen Na

Interest in wireless communications is exploding at UT, as is evidenced by the full student roster in EE 381K-11: "Wireless Communications", taught by Professor Ted Rappaport. The entry-level graduate communications class is a new addition to the UT ECE curriculum, and it has been slated for all entry-level ECE graduate students. Beginning this term, one of the features of EE 381K-11 is a field trip to an actual cellular system site.

Approximately forty EE 381K-11 students traveled to Verizon Wireless on March 3rd, 2003 to tour its cellular location. The trip was focused on two major goals. The first was to provide WNCG students with a first-hand look at an operating base station and the maintenance of a cellular network system, and second was to encourage student interest in wireless communications.

A modern CDMA base station and measuring, monitoring and maintenance tools were exhibited during the tour. Five engineers from Verizon Wireless gave thorough and informative explanations of the equipment. Two tour busses transported the students to and from the Austin cell site, and provided cover from the hail and rain. Even the inclement weather did not dampen enthusiasm during the field trip.

Students not only gained first-hand experience of the activities of wireless engineers, but also learned subject matter not yet covered in class. For example, students learned that all cell phone calls in Austin are routed in real time back to the mobile switch center in San Antonio.

The tour, the first of it's kind in UT history, was a tremendous success. Students engaged in lively and animated discussion on the trip back to campus. Many thanks to Verizon Wireless for this wonderful opportunity! EE 381K-11 faculty and teaching assistants are eagerly anticipating their next tour with new students this fall.