Sharing Football Game Thrills Made Easier Thanks To Verizon Wireless Cell On Wheels

Honolulu, HI — Verizon Wireless is helping football fans at "make the call," send TXT Messages, and watch video clips during this week's professional football game at Aloha Stadium. To prepare for expected record usage, Verizon Wireless, operator of the nation's most reliable wireless network, has set up a portable cell site or "COW" in a strategic location nearby.

The "Cell On Wheels" (COW), a fully functional, generator-powered cell site, will effectively double the capacity of Verizon Wireless' voice and data network in the area. The COW has the same call capacity as a freestanding cell site.

"With more than 50,000 fans converging on such a small area, along with news media, and the teams themselves, we anticipate a significant surge in wireless activity," said Mark Yamauchi, director of Hawaii Sales. "This COW, from the fleet we keep at the ready, will create the additional capacity needed to provide the quality of service our customers expect from us." The company's statewide network enhancements exceed $77 million over the last fours years.

Quick Facts on Cell on Wheels

• The temporary cell site is equivalent to the highest capacity stationary site presently in the Verizon Wireless network, able to process thousands of calls every hour.
• The trucks are specially equipped with $500,000 in sophisticated mobile equipment.
• The COWS microwave antenna, used for linking our network components, is the calling equivalent of 672 landline phone lines. Its reach spans as many as 20 miles, depending on terrain.
• The 25,000 lb. vehicle features a 55 ft. retractable mast. And, since Verizon Wireless has to be prepared that community resources may not be available in the event of emergency, the vehicle is fully self-contained with equipment, fuel, electrical generators, food, water, cots, etc.

About Verizon Wireless
Verizon Wireless owns and operates the nation's most reliable wireless network, serving 51.3 million voice and data customers. Headquartered in Bedminster, NJ, 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. 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.  

Test Man/Woman Ride-Along Program
The specially equipped Verizon Wireless test vehicles simultaneously test seven wireless providers, using a computerized program to generate phonically diverse "conversations" as well as data transmissions. Members of the media who are interested in setting up an interview ride-along with a local member of the Verizon Wireless team of real-life test men and women, are invited to contact Georgia Taylor at 206-940-0385 or e-mail Georgia.Taylor@VerizonWireless.com.

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