In simple ceremonies, Smart officials, led by Ma. Hiyasmin Quiñal, senior manager for network services assurance for the Visayas and Mindanao, turned over the wireless laboratory to Fr. Manuel M. Vergara O.S.A., president of the University of San Agustin.
SMART launched SWEEP in 2003 to help raise the level of technology and engineering education in the country, particularly in the field of Electronics and Communications Engineering (ECE).
SWEEP consists of two parts. The first is the wireless lab which houses various equipment from Smart’s analog network such as radio cabinets, rectifier units, a battery bank, antennas and a computer control console.
The facility also contains a working GSM cell site that does not only provide additional coverage for the campus, but can also be used as part of an on-the-job training program for students.
The second is a continuing education program under which Smart will periodically deploy its engineers to provide lectures and make presentations on various topics such as introduction to GSM technology, General Packet Radio Services (GPRS), Short Messaging Service (SMS), Multimedia Messaging Service (MMS), Voice over Internet Protocol (VolP), and Wireless Fidelity (Wi-Fi).
"We recognize that Smart is the leader in the telecommunications industry. Through SWEEP, our teachers and students will greatly benefit from the technology transfer aspect of the program. The wireless laboratory will contribute to the improvement of the school facilities, thus, enhancing the institutional image of the university," said engineer Maura Basco, dean of the College of Engineering and Architecture.
Other Smart partner-schools in the Visayas include the University of Cebu, University of San Carlos, Don Bosco Technological Center, University of Negros Occidental Recoletos, University of St. La Salle, TUP, Western Visayas College of Science and Technology, and Holy Name University.
The University of San Agustin is the first recognized university in Western Visayas and to date, is the only Augustinian university in the Asia-Pacific. It celebrated its centenary in 2004.