UTMB Guest Wireless Network Access

Staying Connected: the UTMB Guest Wireless Network

To help you stay connected with your family, friends, and life beyond our hospital or clinics, the University of Texas Medical Branch offers free high-speed wireless Internet access to patients, their families and guests. Wireless service is available from most of our Galveston campus, at the UTMB Specialty Care Center at Victory Lakes (in League City), and at most UTMB community clinics.

The service is available at no charge any time you or a family member are a patient at one of our wireless-enabled facilities. Computers are not provided by UTMB, but patients or families who bring their own laptop computer or other wireless device (such as a netbook, iPod Touch, or iPad) can connect to the Internet with a few simple clicks.

How to Connect

1) To access the UTMB Guest Wireless network, you will need:

• a wireless-enabled device such as a laptop or netbook, an iPad or similar tablet, an iPod Touch, iPhone or other smart phone;
• up-to-date virus protection and system software on your device (as applicable);
• a valid email account.

2) Use your device to browse for available wireless networks. Find and select “UTMBGuest.”

3) Register your device. When you open your web browser, you’ll be automatically routed to a web portal to “sign in” using your email address. Your email will not be shared or used for any purpose other than registering you as a user on the UTMB Guest network.

Frequently Asked Questions

Where can I access the UTMB Guest Wireless Network? 

There are WiFi enabled areas for patients and families throughout about 85% of UTMB’s Galveston campus, including many inpatient and outpatient areas, waiting rooms and the main cafeteria. The UTMB Guest network is also available at the Specialty Care Center at Victory Lakes (in League City), and at many (but not all) UTMB clinics in area communities.

What if the signal is not available or weak in the location where I’m working? 

Although WiFi is enabled in many areas on campus, the use of sensitive electronic equipment in some parts of the hospital requires that we limit the use of wireless technology. In other locations, thick walls or glass may weaken signals. If you are experiencing a weak signal, you may want to try moving to a new location, if possible.

Will my connection time out after a few minutes of inactivity? 

The UTMB Guest network is set to terminate an inactive connection after 16 minutes without any user input or activity.

Is this network secure?

While UTMB does have security practices and system monitoring in place, UTMB Guest is an open and public wireless network (an unsecured network), not unlike you might find in a coffee shop, at an airport or other public place.

On a public network, it is possible that other wireless users may be able to intercept information being sent and received from your device. Consequently, you should exercise caution and not transmit credit card information, passwords or any other sensitive personal information while using the “UTMB Guest” network (or any other public wireless network).

If I have problems accessing the network, can someone at UTMB help me? 

If you have problems accessing the Internet using the UTMB Guest wireless network, hospital staff cannot assist in making changes to your device or network settings or perform any troubleshooting on your personal equipment. You will need to refer to your owners’ manual or seek other support services for assistance.

UTMB Guest Wireless Network Terms of Use

• By accessing the UTMB Guest wireless network, you assume all risk and responsibility for using this system.
• UTMB is not responsible for any damage caused to your hardware or software due to electric surges, security issues or consequences caused by viruses or hacking. UTMB is not responsible for any personal information that may be compromised as a result of using the UTMB Guest network.
• Internet traffic at UTMB is monitored as part of the normal network management function. All users are required to use the wireless network in a responsible and legal manner, and in compliance with federal, state and local laws.