Park University - Park Partners with Sprint, Rave Wireless to Power Mobile Services for Students

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Park Partners with Sprint, Rave Wireless to Power Mobile Services for Students

By Summer A. Evans - March 28, 2007 - 8:04 am
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Park University today announced its partnership with Rave Wireless (www.ravewireless.com) and Sprint (NYSE: S) to provide a mobile phone program across the University's diverse learning environments and student populations. Rave Wireless, the leading provider of college and university mobile phone programs, will work with Sprint to provide Park University students with mobile phones that come pre-loaded with Rave applications for academics, safety, and community-building, as well as special calling plans. In addition, Sprint will extend its custom network in-building solution by offering additional coverage of the Nationwide Sprint PCS Network at the Parkville Campus, giving students the power of continuous access to information nearly anytime.

As an innovator in advancing higher education technology, Park will also work with Rave to integrate its existing computing systems into a new mobile platform, giving students 24/7, on-the-go access to administrative and class information on their mobile phones. All Park students will have the option to participate in the mobile phone program that will enhance their learning and help them to stay connected with the University nearly anytime and anywhere for academics, communities and necessary information.

"In today's virtual world, Park has excelled at using technology to significantly increase the number of students benefiting from our academic programs through extensive online and distance learning programs," says Sara Freeman, chief information officer, Park University. "The partnership between Park University, Rave Wireless and Sprint will bring together the expertise of three technology leaders that will result in an unprecedented mobile program that unifies our students and provides enhanced academic opportunities on their preferred devices, regardless of the Park program in which they're enrolled."

Park University's mobile phone program will begin rolling out to students during the Fall 2007 semester. The program will develop over time with key components including:

Academic Enhancements: Faculty members will work with Park University and Rave Wireless to integrate mobile learning applications into their curricula, ranging from the use of cell phones for real-time, in-class assessments, to providing course information and class updates on the phones of distance learners. Park University is one of the largest not-for-profit providers of distance learning in the U.S. Park and Rave will also develop integration that will mobilize Park's existing eCollege eCompanion, allowing students to receive up-to-the-minute information about assignments, exams, class schedules and more.

Enhanced Safety features tailored to different student locations will also be deployed. At the Parkville Campus, Rave Guardian, an application that allows students to transform their mobile phones into personal safety devices and be monitored by campus police on an opt-in basis will be available. This award-winning application leverages the differentiated and industry-leading custom network solutions and GPS enabled handsets from Sprint. Other students in regional locations will receive broadcast text alerts specific to their Campus Center for increased safety and improved communications with the school.

Conveniences: Park's usage of Rave Wireless's applications will also make it easier for students to manage the daily logistics of university life by giving them mobile phone access to school email, the school directory and more. Park will also work with Rave to make its existing Jenzabar CX Student Information System available on students' mobile phones, providing quicker access to a variety of university services.

Building a Mobile Community: Park University has a large population of international students who historically have been unable to quickly obtain a mobile phone and calling plan upon entering the United States. Through Park's mobile phone program, these international students will be able to obtain a Sprint mobile phone pre-loaded with Rave applications, and connect instantly with the Park community.

"Our partnership with Park University is extremely important to Rave since it represents an opportunity to work with an innovative university with wide-ranging, multi-faceted needs and learning environments," says Rodger Desai, president and chief executive officer of Rave Wireless. "We welcome the opportunity to work with Park University and Sprint to take Rave's mobile solution to the next level."

Sprint recently completed a comprehensive underground custom network in-building solution at the Parkville Campus in downtown Parkville, MO, a first of its kind in the area. This project provides coverage in more than 1,000,000 square feet of commercial space underground at the Parkville campus. The Sprint custom network solution offers mobility to students, increases the underground commons security and provides consistent connectivity for all Park Commercial Underground tenants. Now, in support of Park's mobile initiative, Sprint is increasing coverage and capacity above the ground and in the Parkville campus buildings.

"Our partnership with Park University and Rave Wireless represents a significant change in how students communicate in today's mobile environment. With the power of two strong networks, Sprint improves the academic experience for students and faculty at Park University by giving them increased mobility and continuous access to pertinent information," says Nancy Salisbury, vice president of public sector-midwest region, Sprint. "This continuous communication access to voice and data services is also critical during an emergency or catastrophe so that emergency responders can communicate more efficiently with above ground and below ground personnel."

About Rave Wireless
Rave Wireless (www.ravewireless.com) is the leading provider of mobile applications and managed mobile phone services that improve communication, build community, and enhance academics and safety, while allowing colleges and universities to transition away from costly and obsolete landlines. Rave Wireless creates a truly tailored mobile phone experience for students by providing award-winning applications that are layered upon discounted handsets and plans available through Rave Wireless's partnerships with top mobile carriers such as Sprint Nextel (NYSE:S) and AT&T (NYSE:T). Customers include colleges and universities nationwide, including California State University Monterey Bay, Eastern Michigan University, Montclair State University, University of Maryland Eastern Shore, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, and the University of South Florida. Rave Wireless is headquartered in New York, NY. Investors include Bain Capital Ventures, Sigma Partners, and RRE Ventures.

About Sprint Nextel
Sprint Nextel offers a comprehensive range of wireless and wireline communications services bringing the freedom of mobility to consumers, businesses and government users. Sprint Nextel is widely recognized for developing, engineering and deploying innovative technologies, including two robust wireless networks serving 53.1 million customers at the end of 2006; industry-leading mobile data services; instant national and international walkie-talkie capabilities; and an award-winning and global Tier 1 Internet backbone. For more information, visit www.sprint.com.