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INDIANAPOLIS, IN — More than 300,000 Brickyard 400 fans will reap the benefits of Verizon Wireless' enhanced network capacity while making their wireless calls when they converge on the Indianapolis Motor Speedway Aug. 3.
Verizon Wireless, the nation's leading provider of wireless communications, has boosted network capacity by nearly 300 percent since last year for those attending the race.
"Race fans have embraced wireless as a way to relay the excitement of this high-speed, competitive racing event to friends and family," said Travis Gabennesch, manager of network system performance for Verizon Wireless in Indianapolis. "They also can use their phones to rendezvous with others at the track and check up on the kids at home."
The increased network capacity results from upgrades to two existing cell sites and the installation of one new cell site on Indianapolis' Westside. Verizon Wireless' network experts are also using "smart antenna" software to enhance usage in high-traffic areas. The antenna automatically shifts capacity to where it's most needed.
Kathy Mitchell, a lifelong Muncie, Ind., resident and avid NASCAR fan, said she and her boyfriend always bring their wireless phones to the track. They call friends attending the race to find out the location of their seats. And they also make sure others can get in on the action.
"Last year, a friend's son couldn't make it to the track, so we held up the phone so he could hear the motors," she said.
The enhanced network for NASCAR fans is part of Verizon Wireless' aggressive multi-billion dollar nationwide yearly network investment to stay ahead of the growing demand in Indiana and across the country for voice and data services.
"NASCAR fans are loyal to the Brickyard 400 and really get involved with the event," said Fred J. Nation, executive vice president of communications for the Indianapolis Motor Speedway. "They love to communicate their enthusiasm in a variety of ways and we see increasing use of cell phones as another indication of involvement."
About Verizon Wireless
Verizon Wireless is the nation's leading provider of wireless communications. The company has the largest nationwide wireless voice and data network and 33.3 million customers. Based in Bedminster, N.J., Verizon Wireless is a joint venture of Verizon Communications (NYSE:VZ) and Vodafone (NYSE and LSE: VOD). Find more information on the Web at www.verizonwireless.com.
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