American University Becomes First T-Mobile Wi-Fi Hotspot Campus


T-Mobile Wi-Fi Hotspots and Wireless Broadband power American University


WASHINGTON, D.C. ? April 17, 2004 ?/Wi-Fi Technology News/- T-Mobile USA has decided it?s time to go to college and has chosen American University. As the provider of the nation?s largest public Wi-Fi (802.11b) wireless broadband network, T-Mobile HotSpot is now on ? and off ? campus with American University students, faculty and alumni. T-Mobile USA, Inc. and American University, one of the nation?s most unwired campuses, announced a unique relationship that will make the T-Mobile HotSpot Wi-Fi Internet service available on campus, and give students special discounts on the wireless broadband service at the places they already go off-campus.

The T-Mobile HotSpot service will be available throughout ten separate buildings on the American University campus, making the prestigious university one of the largest T-Mobile HotSpots in the country.

This announcement kicks off a T-Mobile HotSpot initiative to enable public Wi-Fi in semi-private locations, specifically campuses ? whether it?s universities or corporate campuses. ?Enterprise IT managers tell us they want public Wi-Fi at their facilities for visitors,? said Joe Sims, vice president and general manager for T-Mobile HotSpot. ?But instead of opening the enterprise WLAN, they want a separately operated Wi-Fi network, and that?s where we come in ? it?s a value-added solution for our enterprise customers that leverages the branding and reach of our extensive HotSpot network.?

The public access to the T-Mobile HotSpot will complement the existing private wireless network American University has previously deployed throughout the campus. Students and faculty, visiting faculty, domestic and international dignitaries, as well as friends and relatives of students can now conduct business, as usual, in the most frequented buildings on campus. Using a Wi-Fi enabled laptop or PDA, it?s easy to stay connected, on campus, to the Internet, email and other important information at wireless broadband speeds.

"We?re excited that American University is the first campus in the country to become a T-Mobile HotSpot,? added Sims. ?In an environment where people are seeking the latest information, it?s a natural extension for T-Mobile to provide reliable and easy-to-use wireless broadband service to university visitors, enabling them to not only discover what they need but to also communicate with whomever they want.?

T-Mobile operates the largest carrier-owned wireless broadband network in the country with more than 4,500 convenient locations that offer the T-Mobile HotSpot service such as Starbucks, Borders Books and Music, Kinko?s, select airline clubs and lounges, and some of the nation?s busiest airports.

?This is an important day for all of us at American University,? said Don Myers, Vice President of Finance and Treasurer. ?Our students want to understand ? and influence ? how the world works. The broad reach of the T-Mobile HotSpot service will enable them to meet their communication needs with ease and reliability.?

This announcement extends the existing relationship between T-Mobile and American University. Students, faculty and staff are eligible to receive special rates on wireless voice and data plans through their affiliation with American University. Now, T-Mobile HotSpot service is also available with special rates, making T-Mobile the total mobile communications solution for the American University community. Students can now stay connected while searching for their books at Borders, putting the finishing touches on presentations at Kinko?s or cramming for their mid-term exams at Starbucks.

About T-Mobile USA Inc.
Based in Bellevue, Wash., T-Mobile USA Inc. is a member of the T-Mobile International group, the mobile telecommunications subsidiary of Deutsche Telekom AG (NYSE: DT). T-Mobile operates the largest GSM/GPRS 1900 voice and data network in the country, reaching over 251 million people including roaming and other agreements. In addition, T-Mobile operates the largest carrier owned Wi-Fi (802.11b) wireless broadband network in the country, available in more than 4,500 public access locations including Starbucks coffeehouses, Borders Books and Music, Kinko?s, airports and select American Airlines Admirals Clubs, Delta Air Lines Crown Rooms, United Airlines Red Carpet Clubs and US Airways Clubs. T-Mobile is committed to providing the best value in wireless service through its Get More? promise to provide customers with more minutes, more features and more service. For more information, visit the company Web site at http://www.t-mobile.com.

About American University

Located in Washington, DC, American University (www.american.edu) is a leader in global education, enrolling a diverse student body from throughout the U.S. and more than 150 countries and providing opportunities for academic excellence, public service, and internships in the nation's capital and around the world.