Bona's to go completely wireless

St. Bonaventure University officials are expecting most of the campus to have wireless Internet access within the next year.According to Mike Hoffman, executive director of information technology, Technology Services received approval for the project and plan to implement it this summer.

Currently, the university has 25 wireless access points, according to Hoffman. Once the project is complete, there will be more than 200.

"The coverage would be in dorms, academic buildings and even green spaces," Hoffman said. "Basically, all the main areas of congregation."

The wireless plan includes the Townhouses and even the athletic fields, he said.

When asked if students would be able to access the Internet from the university's front lawn, Hoffman said he wasn't sure, but remained optimistic.

"I'm not sure how far out it will extend, but they vast majority of campus will be covered," he said.

Even though wireless access would cover most of campus, there will still be hardline access in the residence halls, according to Hoffman.

Hoffman said the cost of the project is bundled together with campus phone upgrades and doesn't cost the university much.

"The short answer is no," he said in regards to additional costs.

Security measures will also be put in place to make sure no one tries to siphon and use it illegally. Hoffman guessed students would use their Bonaventure e-mail as a login to use it.

Hoffman said the project would ideally be done in phases and that students could be able to take advantage of some wireless access by the fall semester. But realistically, he's looking at a year for completion.

"A year from now, it will be done," he said. "Hopefully sooner, but that's what we are planning on.