RAGBRAI Riders Will Stay Connected Across Iowa With Verizon Wireless' Enhanced Network Support

DES MOINES, Iowa, July 19, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- Verizon Wireless, the company with the nation's largest 4G LTE network, will boost network capacity in cities and highways along this year's route for the Register's Annual Great Bicycle Ride Across Iowa (RAGBRAI®) July 22-28.  

In addition, the company will deploy temporary cell sites, known as Cell on Light Trucks (COLTS), in three communities: 

• Lake View on July 23;
• Webster City on July 24;
• and Anamosa on July 27.

Verizon Wireless' fleet of COLTS provides service at special events, such as RAGBRAI, that demand additional network capacity. These temporary cell sites are equivalent to the highest capacity stationary site presently in Iowa and are able to process thousands of calls every hour. They are primarily designed for use when natural disasters or other unplanned events interrupt wireless voice and data service.

"As the official wireless provider for RAGBRAI, we are committed to serving our customers as well as the ride organizers along this year's route," said Seamus Hyland, president--Great Plains Region, Verizon Wireless. "Based on our research, we anticipate each of these Iowa communities will experience more than double the wireless phone usage during the ride's tour stops than would occur during an average summer day. We are prepared to deliver the best wireless network and services for visitors, journalists and local residents."

Heading into its 40th year, RAGBRAI is the longest, largest and oldest touring bicycle ride in the world. RAGBRAI's 10,000 riders will attract an estimated 10,000 viewers at most stops along the route.           

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About Verizon Wireless
Verizon Wireless operates the nation's largest 4G LTE network and largest, most reliable 3G network. The company serves 94.2 million retail customers, including 88.8 million retail postpaid customers.  Headquartered in Basking Ridge, N.J., with 78,000 employees nationwide, Verizon Wireless is a joint venture of Verizon Communications (NYSE, NASDAQ: VZ) and Vodafone (LSE, NASDAQ: 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