Section A·Page 8
The University Daily Kansan
Thursday, September 30, 1999
Cell phones provide way to phone home
Safety, convenience at the heart of trend
By Amanda Kaschube
writer@kansan.com
Kansan staff writer
The latest technology craze has hit campus in full force — cellular phones.
Teachers and students across campus can be spotted using cell phones, day or at night. Cellular phone distributors in Lawrence said they had seen an increase in sales during August and January — the two months when students return with cash lining their pockets.
Tim Ducker, sales representative for Simply Wireless, 1901 Massachusetts St., said January was a lucrative month for the company because students got extra money from their parents and financial aid.
"We see an increase in sales depending on
the time of year," he said.
Ducker said about 40 percent of sales came from University of Kansas students.
"Most buy them for the aspect of a safety feature," he said. "Most buy the hands-free model."
Jeff Seymour, manager of Midwest Digital, 2721 West Sixth Street, said the majority of his student cell phone sales also were for safety reasons.
"The No. 1 reason is for emergency purposes for driving," he said. "Or, they want it for for the evening when they are on campus or downtown."
Carrie Depenbusch, Columbus, Mo., junior, said she bought a cell phone for her car when she traveled but didn't bring it on campus.
"I don't really have a need for it on campus," she said. "I just have it for safety in my car."
With all the cell phones on campus, some teachers are bound to have problems with them in classes.
Don Stull, anthropology professor, said he modified his syllabus a few years ago to prohibit cell phone usage in his class.
"most of my classes are grad level courses, and they're smaller," he said. "When I go through the syllabus, I talk about classroom behavior. Cell phones are included."
Lauren Couch, Kansas City freshman, said she didn't bring her phone to class because she didn't want it to ring and disturb the class.
Other teachers have not had the same problem Stull had encountered.
problem Curtis Hall, physics and astronomy professor, said although he has not had cell phone problems in the past, he would ask a student to leave the classroom if he or she was using a cell phone.
Despite the occasional disruptive ring during class discussions, there has not been a serious complaint filed against cell phone usage, said Anna Hines, associate director of Networking and Telecommunications Services for the University.
"Cell phones, in any way shape or form are welcomed on campus," she said. "There are no restrictions or rules."
are not necessary. Hines said students living in residence halls could experience cross-talk because of a small amount of frequency space.
"They do so at their own risk," she said. But using cell phones on campus wouldn't cause cross-talk because of the larger amount of frequency space, Hines said.
The convenience of cell phones has prompted some students to use them for purposes other than safety.
Couch said she brought her cell phone to the bars at night so she could call for a ride home.
home. Seymour said students had a higher interest level in cell phones because they had become a part of their way of life.
"They're used to having access to communication, including cell phones," he said. "Students don't remember a time when cell phones weren't around."
— Edited by Keith Burner
Lina Misik, Rockford, Ill. junior talks on her cell phone. Cell phone use has become so prevalent this year. Photo by David Daugherty/ KANSAN
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