AT&T to fix area coverage problems

AT&T will submit a proposal to IU today about how to fix a “wireless network problem” that has been affecting cell phone coverage in Bloomington.

IU officials asked for the proposal because there are problems with reception on campus, said IU spokesman Larry MacIntyre.

AT&T spokesman Chris Bauer said AT&T has seen an increase in demand as students have returned to campus. He did not identify the source of the problem or when it began but said the company is negotiating with the University on how to fix the problem.

MacIntyre said he does not know what the next step is after the proposal is submitted.
Currently, IU and AT&T have several contracts together, including one that gives an 8 percent discount for students and a 12 percent discount for faculty and staff on cell phone services.

The athletics department also began a three-year contract with AT&T in 2006 to make them its official telecommunications partner, according to the athletics department Web site.

University Information Technology Services posted an announcement on its Web site on Aug. 24 titled, “Difficulties placing calls on AT&T network.”

The announcement said AT&T users “may experience gaps in coverage or difficulty connecting while roaming domestically off AT&T’s wireless network. Technicians are working to restore service.”

Bauer said the problem only affects wireless phone networks and is unique to Bloomington.

Possible solutions to the problem include new cell phone towers and temporary cell sites on wheels, Bauer said.

Bauer said AT&T has been on campus and has heard from students about the problem. AT&T released an official statement late Friday.

“AT&T is working with the University on short and long term solutions to improve our wireless voice and data coverage for our customers in and around campus as quickly as possible,” the statement said.