The environment that exists within a college campus provides an ideal setting for the utilization of wireless technology. The very nature of the activity that takes place at these institutions provides a perfect catalyst for local area networks to connect users to the Internet by implementing wireless networks. The mobility and simplicity of computing without wires offers higher education the opportunity to enhance an individual's overall ability to function and learn within their particular setting. In the case of older schools or portable classrooms, wireless networks offer a quick and sometimes only practical way to get students computing.

Wireless networks utilizing mobile computers are better suited to the environment of college campuses and are preferable to the still-prevalent practice of putting desktop machines in each classroom. Laptops offer many advantages when it comes to utilizing wireless technology. These advantages were summarized by author and educator Jamie McKenzie in the journal From Now On. They include:

• Ease of Movement - Wireless laptops can be moved anywhere within and between buildings and require no special furniture.
• Relaxed Fit - Laptops are easier to accommodate within existing classrooms because of their small size.
• Strategic Deployment - Unlike traditional hardwired computers, laptop computers can be deployed on rolling carts where they are needed most, creating one-to-one learning opportunities.
• Flexibility - Laptops can be used within existing classrooms. Whether there is a team, group or individual, laptops can be configured to fit a teacher's preference and the nature of the learning experience. Also, wireless laptops place no additional demands on furniture or space.
• Less Clutter - Elimination of cables and wires reduces clutter and allows for as many as twenty-five to thirty laptops to be easily used in a single classroom.
• Low Profile - Laptops are less intrusive and allow for more personable interaction. Unlike desktops that have large monitors that can block the vision of both students and teachers, laptops have low profiles and allow teachers and students to make important eye contact.
• Convenience - Wireless laptops are readily available when needed and can be easily stored. There is almost no set-up time for laptops. Students are not required to find, connect or disconnect wires (as would be required for hardwired network access). There would also be no need for students to move to fixed computer workstations.
• Simplicity - The simplicity comfort and reliability of wireless laptops means that teachers and students can focus on learning and not on hardware. This allows technology attain its purpose not often due to technical difficulties or inconvenience.

The size and potential for the advancement of wireless networks on college campuses is significant. According to the 2002 Campus Computing Survey, roughly two-thirds (67.9 percent) of the U.S. institutions participating in the 2002 survey report that they have functioning wireless LANs, compared to half (50.6 percent) in 2001 and 29.6 percent in 2000. Another eighth (12.7 percent) report that wireless LANs will become functional this year. One tenth (10.0 percent) of the survey respondents indicate that full-campus wireless networks are up and running at their institutions as of fall 2002, compared to 6.2 percent in 2001 and 3.8 percent in 2000. Across all sectors, the 2002 data suggest that wireless services cover just under a fifth (18.3 percent) of the physical campus at those institutions reporting wireless networks, compared to 10.9 percent in 2001.

Many colleges and universities around the world are committed to bringing the latest technologies to their campuses. In many cases, experimentation and significant breakthroughs are being realized at college campuses around the world. Despite lower enrollments and budget cuts, technology spending remains included in most higher education budget plans.

Classes continue to be conducted that relate to many of these state-of-the-art technologies. Technology is not only playing an important role in the infrastructure of higher educational facilities, but its principles continue to be taught by experts.

Due to the continued support of higher education, in order to maintain IT systems, staff must be increased in order to provide proper service.

Many colleges and universities now house comprehensive IT Departments in order to address the needs of the campus. Teachers, students and community members are looking to increase the usage of technology in these institutions of higher education. This has required colleges and universities to increase its technological capabilities in order to maintain a superior learning environment. Competition in the area of enrollment has also triggered the need to stay on top of the latest technologies in order to market themselves to potential students looking to enroll.

This has lead to the increased interest into technology such as wireless access. It also provides the opportunity for organizations such as HEWAC to "champion" the cause of implementing certain technologies on college campuses around the world.