An upcoming auction for a batch of currently unavailable radio waves in Canada may improve signal in Carleton’s tunnels.
The auction Jan. 14, 2014 for the 700 megahertz spectrum has a list of 15 interested bidders, including Bell Mobility, Rogers Communications, and Telus Corp., according to Industry Canada.
The spectrum is expected to provide cellphone users with stronger connections in areas with degraded reception like elevators, tunnels, and basements.
“Cell phones up to now use frequencies around 850 MHz (i.e. 850,000,000 cycles per sec.), 1900 MHz, and 1700 MHz,” said David Falconer, professor emeritus in the department of systems and computer engineering (SCE).
He said the 700 MHz frequencies would penetrate better than the 1700 or 1900 MHz ones.
Halim Yanikomeroglu, an SCE professor said the new 700 MHz wireless spectrum would be a good chance for Carleton students to experience an availability of signal in enclosed areas.
Yanikomeroglu said the band of frequencies around 700 MHz has much more capacity to transmit signal as well as a better penetration rate, especially in places like tunnels.
Facilities engineering and construction project co-ordinator Raymond Dufresne said signal levels in the tunnels depend on where and when the tunnels were constructed.
He said the thickness of the tunnel walls and ceilings vary between eight and 12 inches and may be several feet below ground surface.
Hugues Jeansonne, supervisor at technical services, said that not much of the lack of coverage has to do with the thickness of the tunnel walls.
Jeansonne said the positioning of antennas too far from campus is a cause of the signal transmission difficulty.
Yanikomeroglu said the entry of 700 MHz “would make things better but would not solve it entirely.”
