Verizon Wireless Deploys 'COWS' Throughout Central Ohio To Support Full Weekend Of Fairs, Festivals And The IndyCar Series

COLUMBUS, Ohio, Aug. 2, 2014 /PRNewswire/ --

WHO: Verizon Wireless, operator of the nation's largest 4G LTE network.

WHAT: Verizon Wireless has installed four temporary cell sites—called COWs, or Cell On Wheels, to provide additional network calling capacity in anticipation of crowds exceeding 100,000 each over the upcoming weekend at the Ohio State Fair, Dublin Irish Festival and Verizon IndyCar Series' Honda Indy 200 race at the Mid-Ohio Raceway. 

These service enhancements mean that more customers can use the Verizon Wireless network concurrently to make calls or use data applications such as text, picture and video messaging during the event. Vendors at the events can also utilize their Square or Intuit GoPayment credit card readers to complete credit card transactions and improve the customer experience at their booths. Each COW is a fully functional, generator-powered cell site, which has the same call capacity as a freestanding cell site. The deployed COWs support voice coverage and 4G LTE data, as well as XLTE. 

WHERE & WHEN:
Ohio State Fair
717 E. 17^th Ave.
Columbus, Ohio 43211

Dublin Irish Festival 
5620 Post Rd, Dublin, OH 43017
Dates:  August 1-3, 2014

Honda Indy 200 at Mid-Ohio
200 - 7721 Steam Corners Road, Lexington, Ohio 44904
Dates:  August 1-3, 2014

BACKGROUND:  "Central Ohio hosts extremely popular events for residents and tourists alike who rely on their wireless service to stay in touch with friends and family as well as conduct business transactions with mobile credit card readers," said Mark Frazier, president–Ohio/Pennsylvania/West Virginia Region, Verizon Wireless. "In past years, these events have drawn 75,000 to 100,000 people over the course of the weekend. At large events like these, with usage patterns increasing, we make sure to stay well ahead of their demand.  Our COWs enable us to meet the temporary increase in call volume and data to provide our customers with the reliable network service they expect from Verizon Wireless."

Verizon Wireless has the nation's largest 4G LTE network—more than two times larger than any other 4G LTE network. Launched in December 2010, Verizon's 4G LTE network is available in more than 500 markets to 97 percent of the population and covers more than 303 million people in the U.S., including those in areas served by the company's LTE in Rural America partners. With the most reliable 4G LTE network and the largest footprint, Verizon has also deployed XLTE. XLTE utilizes AWS (Advanced Wireless Services) spectrum, which allows Verizon to deliver significantly increased capacity – at a minimum, doubling the capacity – over its high-speed 4G LTE network. More than 350 of Verizon's 4G LTE 500-plus markets have been enhanced with XLTE, with more scheduled to be completed by the end of the year.

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About Verizon Wireless: Verizon Wireless operates the nation's largest and most reliable 4G LTE network.  As the largest wireless company in the U.S., Verizon Wireless serves 104.6 million retail customers, including 98.6 million retail postpaid customers.  Verizon Wireless is wholly owned by Verizon Communications Inc. (NYSE, Nasdaq: VZ).  For more information, visit www.verizonwireless.com.  For the latest news and updates about Verizon Wireless, visit our News Center at http://www.verizonwireless.com/news or follow us on Twitter at http://twitter.com/VZWNews. 

SOURCE Verizon Wireless