T-Mobile US Selected to Power Digital Campus

T-Mobile U.S. has been selected by Bradley University in the city of Peoria, Illinois, to provide 5G technology to create a digital campus.

Under the partnership, T-Mobile will provide its 5G network to provide connectivity at the university to create immersive, mixed reality classrooms to train students to operate machinery, AI and telehealth technologies.

“From the dining hall to the virtual lecture hall, the students, faculty and staff at Bradley University can experience the power of 5G,” the partners said in a statement. “The university will utilize a 5G Hybrid Mobile Network from T-Mobile as part of its mission to deliver innovative learning experiences for students and improve operational efficiencies through its Digitally Connected Campus initiative.”

T-Mobile also said that by the fall 2023 semester, it will provide students and some staff members with iPads equipped with 5G connectivity, allowing those who live off-campus to access lectures and educational materials.

The partners said the project is being set up to help improve network accessibility among students, “bridging the digital divide” and creating more equal opportunities in education.

“Partnering with T-Mobile will help us provide Bradley’s students with the ability to learn in the same mobile-first environment that is increasingly prevalent in the professional world,” said Christopher Jones, Bradley University vice president for strategy and innovation. “Bringing 5G to our students and campus allows us to advance a digitally equitable learning environment and a holistically connected campus.”

"We are thrilled to embark on this transformative partnership with T-Mobile, bringing cutting-edge technology to Bradley University, and revolutionizing the way our students learn, collaborate, and thrive in the digital age," said Steve Standifird, Bradley University president.

Bradley University also said it plans to use the 5G network to improve operational efficiency around the campus, using sensor-based data analytics to detect potential issues such as gas leaks.

“Bradley University is a shining example of how the education industry can embrace 5G to drive innovation and improve students’ lives,” said Callie Field, T-Mobile business group president. “Bradley has already identified more than 20 unique use cases that could have an impact both on students’ learning experiences and the university’s operations in the future. And we’re thrilled to help them bring these innovations to life.”