A £1.38m
‘Wireless City’ project linking the University’s
Magee campus to Derry City Council and the NWIFHE was unveiled
today by DETI Minister Angela Smith.
 Called
the Northern Ireland Broadband Flagship initiative, the network’s
aim is to help business, tourism and the education sector in the
city make the most of the potential offered by today’s high-speed
communications technology.
Professor Richard Barnett, Acting Vice-Chancellor of the University
of Ulster said:
“The importance of new digital communications technologies
cannot be overestimated. This project represents a major step
forward in positioning in the city and region at the forefront
of today’s communications revolution, and in assisting it
in moving beyond the old industries of the past to the new knowledge
economy.
“The University of Ulster is delighted to be a partner in
this exciting project. Our vision is to be an outstanding regional
university – and contributing to economic regeneration and
development through partnership. We embrace and welcome partnership
– and the partnership we launch today is a excellent example
of that commitment.”
There were five key outcomes for the project, the Acting Vice-Chancellor
said:
-
An enhanced learning
experience for students at UU and NWIFHE`
from September 2005, new students majoring in computing at Magee
will be issued with wireless tablet pcs: this is the first ‘smart
classroom’ project of its kind on the island: the educational
implications are profound, and mark the first step in a wireless
infrastructure project which will transform the way students
learn. The aim is to create a more flexible, more enjoyable
educational environment, building the skilled IT workforce of
the future.
-
Enhanced University
services to industry and commerce
The University has established a Wireless Technology Research
Centre at Magee, which offers services to developers and users
of wireless technology. The WTRC assists start-up companies
and SMEs in prototyping of new wireless products.
-
An enhanced research
base at the University’s Magee campus:
The Intelligent Systems Research Centre will pursue the next
generation of information and communications technology, and
its knowledge, expertise and reputation will help attract new
investment into the city and region. A multimillion Centre of
Excellence in Intelligent Systems has been proposed for Magee,
in partnership with development agencies ILEX and INI.
-
Delivery of new undergraduate
courses;
Two new undergraduate degrees in September 2005: BSc Eng in
Multimedia Computer Games: the second in a BEng Hons in Computer
Games Development Courses created in partner ship with the games
industry. The new programmes will complement existing programmes
at HND level with NWIFHE.
-
An enhanced tourism
experience
Audio, video, stills an text-based information will be delivered
over the new wireless infrastructure, helping deliver a location-aware
unique experience to each individual visitor as they move around
the city.
Minister Angela Smith said: “The
NI Broadband Flagship Project will act as a beacon for broadband
development by putting into action some of the endless possibilities
offered by the technology, and will provide an innovative centre
for developing applications, content and services in a broadband
environment.
“We work increasingly in a broadband and wireless world
where business and citizens seek access to high-speed telecoms
networks to access and exchange information. They use many devices
including portable computers, iPods and camera phones to share
experiences and do business, it is vital that our business and
tomorrow’s employees fully understand this environment and
I believe this project will lead the way to enhance our understanding.
“This project is central to our vision of Northern Ireland
as a fully connected, digital society, and is a tribute to the
creativity and vision of the city.”
The project has been welcomed by businesses and organisations
throughout the city.
For further information, please contact:
Press Office, Department of Public Affairs
Tel: 028 9036 6178
Email: pressoffice@ulster.ac.uk
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