CHICAGO, June 25 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- In a continuing effort to provide the best wireless service for customers during Taste of Chicago, scheduled for June 26-July 5, Verizon Wireless will beef up its network capacity by deploying a temporary mobile cell site known as a COLT (Cell on Light Truck).
Hundreds of thousands of people are expected to make the pilgrimage to Grant Park for the 10-day festival. At its peak, during the July 3rd fireworks, the Verizon Wireless network is expected to handle twice the number of wireless calls, compared to a typical day. The COLT deployment will enhance wireless capacity, enabling more customers to use their wireless phones concurrently to make calls, send and receive text and picture messages, and download games and ringtones.
"The COLT strengthens an already robust Verizon Wireless network in Chicago and is equivalent to the highest capacity stationary site presently in Illinois, with the ability to process thousands of calls every hour," said T.J. Fox, president-Illinois/Wisconsin Region, Verizon Wireless.
Other Quick Facts on the Verizon Wireless COLT -- Each 25,000-pound COLT features two retractable masts, a microwave antenna to link network components, an emergency power generator and a small office. -- The COLTs are 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 expand coverage, increase capacity and enhance the quality of its wireless voice and data network in Illinois and throughout the country. Verizon Wireless has invested more than $50 billion since it was formed -- $5.5 billion on average every year -- to increase the coverage and capacity of its premier nationwide network and to add new services. Of this investment, $1.2 billion was spent in Illinois, including more than $179.5 million in 2008.
About Verizon Wireless
Verizon Wireless operates the nation's most reliable and largest wireless voice and data network, serving more than 86.6 million customers. Headquartered in Basking Ridge, N.J., with more than 86,000 employees nationwide, Verizon Wireless is a joint venture of Verizon Communications and Vodafone (NYSE and LSE: VOD). For more information, visit http://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 http://www.verizonwireless.com/multimedia.
Verizon Wireless
CONTACT: Carolyn A. Schamberger, APR of Verizon Wireless,
+1-847-619-4282, Carolyn.Schamberger1@verizonwireless.com; or Tricia Walli,
+1-312-988-2019, mobile, +1-773-251-6139, pwalli@webershandwick.com, for
Verizon Wireless
Web Site: http://www.verizonwireless.com/
