Indeed the microwave at the other end of the ward likely puts out more interference in the ISM bands then any WiFi device.

On the other hand cell phones are not necessarily “low power” (at need some models can transmit rather more) and operate in an entirely different, and far more penetrating, set of frequencies. Thus there is a slight possibility that in some situations some types of cellphones could interfere with hospital operations. Therefore their use is discouraged or in specific forbidden.

Simply put, WiFi signal aren’t comparable to cellphone usage beyond their both being intentional transmitters. WiFi is assured not to interfere (and hospitals would shut it off immediately at any possibility of interference) but cellphones are not assured and therefore their use is locally regulated.

As to either radiation being harmful there has not been a single reputable study supporting such a concern, nor any biophysical model showing how any damage could be done.

While caution is always admirable facts are what decisions are made on, and there are no facts justifying medical concern regarding cellphones or WiFi. They’re not magical unknowns, just relatively new applications of frequencies & techniques that have been studied and applied for generations.

Frankly enabling patients and their families to ‘go online’ has been a huge boon, for many of the same reasons going online is popular at home. Access to information, entertainment, and possibly most importantly, communication.

I’ve someone in hospital with a terminal prognosis right now. Even dying they still have banking to do, news to follow, and yes, emails to read. Indeed between room-changing, medication schedules, and wavering energy levels email is right now their preferred means of communication (including “call me at 2pm, room 410”).

Personally, I have a Verizon EVDO card and mostly travel between EVDO cities so it works fairly well. Even outside the 60+ metro EVDO areas it works where ever there’s a digital signal, but only at dial up speeds. On a road trip it’s great to be online while someone else is driving.

I wonder how they manage with scan equipment, and if the cancer statistics will eventually experience a significant shift.

Wow — that is really amazing. And judging from Beau’s comment, it isn’t unprecedented, either. There is a new hospital being built about a mile from my house; I wonder if they, too, will offer patients and guests open wireless access? Maybe it is time to put in a plug for it before they get the drywall up…

True. I had the same thought about the cafeteria, actually. It was really good and really cheap. If I lived anywhere near there I’d be tempted to drop in regularly!

Yes. The access point was clearly labeled EHGuest.

I hope all went well. Personally, I always try to keep my digital media player charged and loaded with fresh podcasts for moments like that.