Verizon Wireless' 'C.O.L.T.' to Make Pit Stop at Dover Downs for Nascar Monster Weekend
'Mobile' Cell Site Will Help Handle More Than Double the Normal Call Volume
DOVER, Del., May 29 / - In a continuing effort to provide the best wireless service for race fans during the NASCAR Monster Weekend races from June 1-3, Verizon Wireless will beef up its network capacity by deploying a temporary mobile cell site called a COLT (Cell on Light Truck) at Dover Downs. The COLT will enhance wireless capacity, allowing more customers to use their wireless phones concurrently to make calls, send and receive text and picture messages, and download games and ringtones. The company reports that during the big race weekend Verizon Wireless' network will handle more than five times the normal number of wireless calls compared to a typical race weekend.
"With more than 140,000 race fans and tailgaters expected throughout the weekend, along with news media and the pit crews themselves, we anticipate a significant surge in wireless activity," said Michele White, network executive director for Verizon Wireless' Philadelphia Tri-State Region. "In these instances, we bring in an additional mobile cell site that works along with our existing network in the area to handle the increase in wireless calling."
Quick Facts on the Verizon Wireless COLT
o The temporary cell site can process thousands of calls every hour.
o The 25,000-pound COLT features two retractable masts, a microwave antenna to link network components, an emergency power generator and a small office.
o The COLT is also fully equipped with resources needed during emergencies including equipment, fuel, electrical generators, food, water and cots.
The temporary cell site is part of Verizon Wireless' continuous effort to increase capacity and enhance the quality of its wireless voice and data network in the Philadelphia Tri-State Region and across the country. Verizon Wireless has invested $35 billion over the last seven years - $5 billion on average every year since the company was formed - into its national wireless network as part of its commitment to offer customers the most reliable service available, including wireless data services such as picture messaging, text messaging, and the company's exclusive V CAST service. Since 2001, the company has invested more than $900 million in its Philadelphia Tri-State region, which includes Delaware.
About Verizon Wireless
Verizon Wireless operates the nation's most reliable wireless voice and data network, serving 60.7 million customers. The largest US wireless company and largest wireless data provider, based on revenues, Verizon Wireless is headquartered in Basking Ridge, NJ, with 66,000 employees nationwide. The company is a joint venture of Verizon Communications and Vodafone. Find more information on the Web at www.verizonwireless.com. To preview and request broadcast-quality video footage and high-resolution stills of Verizon Wireless operations, log on to the Verizon Wireless Multimedia Library at www.verizonwireless.com/multimedia.
Source: Verizon Wireless
CONTACT: Pam Boyd or Carla Reinas of Thomas/Boyd Communications for Verizon Wireless, both at 856-642-6226; or Sheldon Jones of Verizon Wireless, 215-638-5668, Sheldon.Jones@verizonwireless.com
Web site: http://www.verizon.com/
http://www.verizonwireless.com/
