DAYTONA BEACH, Fla., Feb. 9 /PRNewswire/ -- Verizon Wireless, which operates the nation's most reliable and largest voice and 3G data network, has revved up its high-speed network with even greater horsepower to serve race fans at "The Great American Race."

The company has rolled in two high-tech COWs (Cells On Wheels) outside of Daytona International Speedway – each with a 75-foot telescoping antenna, eight dedicated voice channels and three high-speed data channels. The units will strengthen the already robust Verizon Wireless network in Daytona Beach and across Florida for the spike in calls, text messages, picture and video messages, internet connections and other wireless traffic during the race on February 14, and for other speedway events this week.

Verizon Wireless also has installed in-building systems to boost service in a variety of hotels and other destinations hosting events related to the big race, and has activated and upgraded numerous cell sites around Daytona Beach in past months to reliably handle increased network demand.

At the height of Sunday's race, which boasts the biggest on-site audience in racing with more than 200,000 fans on its 480-acre motor sports complex, Verizon Wireless expects millions of successful connections per hour on its Florida digital network.

"Our network teams are old pros at handling these big events here in Florida," said Frank Wise, executive network director for the Verizon Wireless Florida region. "It's just part of our mission to always have the strongest wireless network and services for visiting fans, journalists and local residents."

The work is part of the Verizon Wireless overall continuing effort to enhance the nation's largest and most reliable 3G broadband network.  In Florida, the company invested $240 million in network improvements during 2009, and more than $2 billion in the state since 2000.

In 2010, Verizon Wireless plans to launch its 4G Long Term Evolution (LTE) wireless network -- which will offer dramatically higher wireless speeds and reliability than even today's most advanced 3G network -- in 25 to 30 markets nationally.  These markets have not been identified, but all network enhancements in Florida in 2009 have been made to better prepare the network here for the eventual rollout of 4G LTE technology.

For more information on the Verizon Wireless network, products and services, visit www.verizonwireless.com.

About Verizon Wireless

Verizon Wireless operates the nation's most reliable and largest wireless voice and 3G data network, serving more than 91 million customers.  Headquartered in Basking Ridge, N.J., with 85,000 employees nationwide, Verizon Wireless is a joint venture of Verizon Communications (NYSE: VZ) and Vodafone (Nasdaq and LSE: VOD).  For more information, visit 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

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