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Dakota State’s Wireless Campus Goes On The Road

Dakota State University has signed a new transportation agreement with Prairie Coach Trailways. DSU and Prairie Coach are partnering to make in-motion WIFI service available to DSU students athletes as they travel through the Midwest. The agreement was announced today (September 7) by DSU President Dr. Doug Knowlton and Prairie Coach President Bill Connor at a press conference at University Center in Sioux Falls.  Prairie Coach Trailways is equipping its entire fleet with the hardware necessary to support WIFI accessibility, allowing DSU student athletes and coaches to remain connected to campus while they are on the road.

Dr. Knowlton said, “We are proud to be the state’s only totally wireless campus and excited to be among the first colleges in the nation to extend this new in-motion internet access for our student athletes.”  Recently the South Dakota Board of Regents identified WIFI access as a high priority for all the state’s universities and openly acknowledges that it is looking to DSU’s success as an operational model.  Knowlton added, “This development is consistent with our continuing commitment to enhance the DSU experience.  In today’s highly competitive world, any improvement in time management, especially travel time for student athletes is a competitive advantage.”  

Bill Connor, President Prairie Coach Trailways, said, “We knew this was a good fit for DSU because of its reputation as a high-tech school.  It’s been exciting for us to see the project evolve.”  Connor first saw the technology in use on-board the celebrity entertainer coaches in Nashville.  “I frequently travel to Nashville on business and couldn’t believe it when I first saw it in use.  The feedback we received from DSU students last fall during testing was very positive.  That’s when we decided to go forward with the project.”

Prairie Coach Trailways was the first to install in-motion satellite television in 1998, and in 2006, through its affiliation with Trailways, installed in-motion satellite GPS security tracking and monitoring capability.  Details are being finalized but all Prairie Coach customers can look forward to using this new WIFI service in the very near future.

David Zolnowsky, DSU Director of Technology pointed out an important distinction.  “Until recently, WIFI access required each user to purchase a phone card and pay $50-$70 per month.  The phone card would allow the users wide range internet access through the cell phone network.  The typical WIFI hot spot connects a limited stationary space and has very limited range. Restaurants and hotel guests gain free access because a phone card is not required. What makes this so unique is that the bus provides WIFI hot spot access traveling 70mph.  Just as long as it is cell phone range, the passengers can remain connected.”

DSU Athletic Director, Gene Wockenfuss, sees the technology as another resource for his coaching staff.  “Making my coach’s job easier is one of my highest priorities, and this technology should really help in our recruiting efforts.  I think prospective students are really impressed with how we’ve been able to achieve such a high-tech environment and not lose our small town appeal.” 

Dr. Knowlton added, “Most students are very cost conscious, and this does not require the student to purchase anything.  We’ve enjoyed working with Prairie Coach over the years and we’re really excited about this new service for our students.  This technology is really incredible. This type of partnership is another reason that we are the highest ranked public baccalaureate college in the Midwest."