Information Technology
Cellular Phone Coverage on the Malibu Campus
(Last updated 08/18/2009)
The location and physical terrain of the Malibu Campus present significant challenges for cellular service coverage. Pepperdine IT continues to work with cellular service providers to offer better coverage options to our campus community. Unfortunately, this negotiation process is slow due to regulatory and technical constraints. In addition, we have been challenged by some of the recent acquisitions in this market. Outlined below is the current status of cellular coverage by major service providers. This information is updated as changes occur.
Current Cellular Coverage by Service Provider
Verizon
Verizon Wireless now has three cellular sites providing excellent coverage at Pepperdine University. The School of Law site has been active since August 2005. This site provided coverage on the lower campus, School of Law, and Drescher student apartments. Two additional sites were installed and activated on December 18, 2006. The first, located on RAC building, improves lower campus coverage and the second, The Water Tanks site, located at the top of Aqua Mesa Road, provides additional coverage to the Drescher Academic Complex and Drescher faculty/staff homes. This second site provides blanket coverage of the upper campus.
(Updated June 2009) Verizon Discount. Information Technology has negotiated a doubling of the Verizon discount, from 6 percent to 12 percent, for Pepperdine University faculty and staff with a current or new service plan of $39.99 or higher. To take advantage of the higher rate, you must submit to Verizon a discount request form and a copy of your employee ID card or pay stub. In addition to the 12 percent service discount, all Verizon wireless subscribers will enjoy a 20 percent discount off the retail price of accessories. To take advantage of the higher savings, customers should fill out the form located below and fax it (along with proof of employment) to 800-711-7788.
There are only two valid proofs of employment: a photo-copy of an employee ID or a pay stub. For more information, contact Michelle Varciage, Verizon Wireless Business Sales Representative, by e-mail at michelle.varciag1@vwirelesserizonwireless.com, or by phone at 310-270-6289.
http://services.pepperdine.edu/it/content/wavenet/verizon-facstf-discount-form.doc
Sprint PCS / Nextel
The current coverage for this service is poor; however, we have recently started construction of sites to be installed on campus. When completed, the coverage should be similar to Verizon Wireless since the sites will co-locate at the RAC building, School of Law building, and the Aqua Mesa Water Tanks. The first of these sites (serving lower campus) should begin servicing campus in September/October 2009. The Aqua Mesa site (serving Drescher Campus) should be operational by November 2009 and the School of Law sites by summer 2010.
AT&T
The current coverage for this service is very good on most of the lower campus and on the Drescher Academic Complex. We recently completed the installation of two temporary cellular sites, which improved coverage significantly. These temporary sites are in the process of being replaced with permanent installations but we do not expect this change to impact the already good coverage.
(Updated October 2009) Discount on AT&T Wireless Service. All AT&T customers must register their wireless numbers within 30 days of establishing their new contract to receive the 15 percent Pepperdine service discount from AT&T. Registrations received after the 30-day acceptance period will be charged with a $36 sponsorship fee. Customers can register for the wireless discount by logging into WaveNet, selecting "Staff Resources," then "Employee Discounts," and finally "AT&T Wireless Discount."
T-Mobile
The current coverage for this service is fair in most of the lower Malibu campus and School of Law areas, and poor in all other campus areas. We are currently in design and contract negotiations with T-Mobile for an additional site on the RAC building. Construction is expected to begin in late 2009 and be completed by summer 2010.
