Students at the University of Aberdeen will be able to access the internet from their bedrooms next term as part of plans to make all campus buildings wireless by the end of 2007.
The project will see over 900 wireless access points installed in buildings across the University estate, with halls of residence scheduled to be online by September.
The University's aim is to give students the opportunity to enjoy more flexible learning and studying methods.
Research conducted amongst prospective and existing students showed that internet access was a factor in which University they selected and the overall student experience.
Cathy Macaslan, Vice Principal for Learning and Teaching, believes the move will create "a sense of excitement about learning."
She said, "It will energise and inspire students giving them more degrees of freedom and choice. It will allow academics to develop many new ways of designing material and courses and new ways for students to access them."
Students residing in University accommodation currently access the internet via a variety of hotspots within the main campus and individual residential sites.
With the increase of student-owned laptops, however, demand for wireless access in bedrooms has increased. The introduction of the new wireless system and associated support services will enable students to access the internet from their bedrooms, enjoying a high speed broadband connection 24/7.
To ensure that the project timescale for student residences is achieved, an innovative technique for connecting the Hillhead Halls of Residence to the main University Old Aberdeen campus will be utilised. A high capacity fibre optic link will be routed through the City's sewage system, causing minimum disruption and ensuring that wireless access will be in place for September.
Paul Haley, Director of Information Technology, said: "Our wireless initiative is one of a series of projects which are aimed at ensuring that the University of Aberdeen is at the forefront of the utilisation of information technology.
"Although we are an ancient institution, our adoption of the latest innovations in communications is indicative of our commitment to the future. Our students deserve the very best technological environment in which to study and it is our firm intention to ensure that this is the case."
Secretary to the University, Steve Cannon, said the new wireless environment will prove a real advantage to students, staff and visitors.
"The rollout of wireless coverage will contribute significantly toward the University's objective of continually maintaining and improving the condition, use, amenity and aesthetic qualities of the our physical estate, whilst enhancing the provision and management of information and electronic resource".
For more information about the project visit: http://www.abdn.ac.uk/wireless/