For Immediate Release: January 12, 2006 
 
Media Contact: Kristen Habbestad, Public Affairs; (562) 860-2451, ext. 2287

 

NORWALK, CA – January 12, 2006 – As one of the first community colleges to debut wireless internet access on campus, Cerritos College's wireless network--AT&T Wi-Fi-- became live during the holiday break (SBC FreedomLink sm is now AT&T Wi-Fi) and is now available to staff, faculty, students and campus visitors who subscribe to the service. Subscribers can use their laptops, cell phones or wireless PDAs to access the new system.

Known as “wi-fi” (short for wireless fidelity), the system enables a person with a wireless-enabled computer to connect to the Internet when in proximity of an access point or “hotspot.” Seven such access points at will be available on across campus, including access points in the Cerritos College Student Center, Falcon Square, the “breezeway” of the Social Science Building (near the Elbow Room) and within the Wilford Michael Library and Learning Resource Center.

“We’re very excited to provide students with the most up-to-date technology,” said Paulo Amaral, president of the Associated Students of Cerritos College. “With so many cell phones, PDAs and laptops around campus, wi-fi will be a great tool for student learning and definitely very popular.”

Students who wish to use the AT&T Wi-Fi network can subscribe to a basic version of the service for $19.95 per month with a one year term commitment. This membership provides unlimited access to more than 10,000 AT&T Wi-Fi hot spots nationwide, including select McDonald’s restaurants, Barnes & Noble bookstores, Caribou Coffee shops and The UPS Store® and Mail Boxes Etc.® locations. Those who already subscribe to high-speed Internet services from AT&T companies can bundle the Wi-Fi service for only $1.99 per month.

AT&T Wi-Fi hot spots will work with most Wi-Fi enabled devices, such as laptop computers, Wi-Fi enabled cell phones, and personal digital assistants (PDAs). Most new laptop computers and PDAs include Wi-Fi technology to allow wireless high-speed Internet access.

Cerritos College celebrates the 2005-06 school year as its 50th anniversary in serving as a comprehensive community college for southeastern Los Angeles County. Communities within the college’s district include Artesia, Bellflower, Cerritos, Downey, Hawaiian Gardens, Lakewood, La Mirada and Norwalk. Cerritos College offers degrees and certificates in more than 180 areas of study in nine divisions. Annually, more than 1,200 students successfully complete their course of studies, and enrollment currently surpasses 22,000 students. Visit Cerritos College online at www.cerritos.edu, and view a celebratory site honoring the college’s 50 years of tradition, honor and values at www.cerritos.edu/50.