Verizon Wireless’ ‘Colt’ Makes Pit Stop at Dover Speedway for NASCAR Race Weekend

In a continuing
effort to provide the best wireless service for NASCAR fans during race weekend
September 21-23 at Dover International Speedway, Verizon Wireless will beef up
its network capacity by deploying a temporary mobile cell site called a COLT
(Cell on Light Truck).

With more
than 250,000 race fans and tailgaters expected throughout the weekend, Verizon
Wireless reports that its network will handle more than five times the number
of wireless calls than during a typical race weekend. 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.

“When
we anticipate a significant surge in wireless activity, we bring in an additional
mobile cell site that works along with our existing area network to
compensate,” said Ed Chan, executive director of network for Verizon
Wireless’ Philadelphia Tri-State Region. “The COLT enables us to handle
the temporary increase in wireless usage and ensures that we are providing our
customers with the highest quality service from the nation’s most reliable
network.”

Quick Facts on the Verizon Wireless COLT

The
temporary cell site can process thousands of calls every hour.

The
25,000-pound COLT features two retractable masts, a microwave

antenna to link network components, an
emergency power generator and a

small office.

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 more than $40 billion over the last seven years — $5 billion on
average every year since the company was formed — into its national wireless
network to ensure that customers everywhere are equipped with the most reliable
service available. The company has invested more than $120 million this year to
enhance and expand its network in southeastern, central and northeastern

Pennsylvania, southern

New Jersey
and

Delaware,
bringing the network investment in the region to more than $1 billion since
2000.