NASCAR RACE FANS TO BENEFIT FROM VERIZON NETWORK BOOST AT MICHIGAN INTERNATIONAL SPEEDWAY

Verizon Wireless has activated a temporary cell site to improve its voice and data network around the Michigan International Speedway (MIS) in Brooklyn and to accommodate the hundreds of thousands of NASCAR fans attending races and related events at the speedway this summer.

The company has deployed a COLT (Cell on Light Truck) to boost capacity in the area surrounding the racetrack. A COLT is a fully functional, generator-powered mobile cell site that enhances wireless capacity in a specific location—and works especially well in dense areas with large crowds.

Additionally, Verizon Wireless has upgraded equipment on its existing cell sites in the area that provide coverage in and around MIS. The company’s upgrades and the COLT will boost voice capacity by 200% and data capacity by 1,000%. These improvements enable more customers to use their wireless phones concurrently to make calls; send and receive email and text, picture and video messages; access the Internet; view high-quality videos; and download music, games and ringtones, while enjoying clearer reception and fewer dropped calls.

“Ensuring our customers can count on their wireless devices for communication, news and more at major sporting events, like the races held at MIS is part of our ongoing commitment to network reliability,” said John Granby, president–Michigan/Indiana/Kentucky Region, Verizon Wireless. “We look at how our customers’ usage patterns are changing at events like these and we use this information to make sure we stay well ahead of their demand.”

On-site network improvements, including the enhanced coverage around MIS, are part of Verizon Wireless’ continual efforts to expand coverage, improve capacity and enhance the quality of its wireless voice and data network in Michigan and throughout the country.

The company’s ongoing network investment in Michigan now totals more than $1.6 billion. Nationally, Verizon Wireless has invested more than $65 billion since it was formed—$6 billion on average every year—to increase the coverage and capacity of its premier nationwide network and to add new services.