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WCU campus to get 4G with dorm-top antennae

Verizon Wireless will pay Western Carolina University to put an antennae on top of Scott Hall as it starts providing “4G” wireless broadband service in the area.

This is a faster wireless service than what Verizon currently offers.

The Verizon Wireless network promises users 10-times faster download and upload services than current 3G technology. Verizon Wireless already offers a dozen or so 4-G capable devices, including smartphones, tablet PCs, USB modems and portable WiFi hotspot devices.

Ed Broadwell, a WCU board of trustee member, told fellow members last week about the deal, explaining Verizon Wireless already has antennae space on top of the nine-floor dorm.

The lease agreement calls for Verizon Wireless to pay WCU $30,000 during the current term and for each five-year renewal period, that amount would increase by 15 percent, Broadwell said.