Verizon Wireless Sends COLT To The New York State Fair

SYRACUSE, NY — Anticipating a surge in wireless calls by tens of thousands of New York State Fair goers, Verizon Wireless is activating a temporary cell site on State Fair Boulevard. The Cell on Light Truck (or COLT) will provide additional network coverage and capacity throughout the New York State Fairgrounds, as well as portions of Route 297 and Route 695. The COLT is a fully functional, generator-powered mobile cell site that enhances wireless capacity, allowing more customers to use their wireless phones concurrently to make calls, send and receive text and picture messages, and access their favorite social media sites.

"Our local network traffic increases greatly during the New York State Fair," said Gene Fassett, executive director of Network for Verizon Wireless' Upstate New York Region. "By activating this temporary cell site, we're strengthening our already robust Syracuse-area network and making sure our customers have a reliable network connection. We anticipate a big surge in voice calls, text and picture messages, and mobile Internet use as fairgoers use their wireless devices to share their experiences."

The temporary cell site is part of Verizon Wireless' continuous effort to increase capacity and enhance the quality of its wireless voice and data network in New York State and across the country. The company has invested more than $50 billion since it was formed -- $5.5 billion on average every year.

Verizon Wireless' mobile cell sites are on constant standby to provide additional wireless network capacity and coverage in emergencies and at highly attended scheduled events.

Other Quick Facts on the Verizon Wireless COLT:

• The 25,000-pound COLT features two retractable masts, a microwave antenna to link network components, an emergency power generator, and a small office.
• The COLT is also fully equipped with resources needed during emergencies including equipment, fuel, electrical generator, food, water and cots.

B-Roll:
B-roll and high-quality still photographs of Verizon Wireless' fleet of COLTs can be found at www.verizonwireless.com/multimedia.  

About Verizon Wireless
Verizon Wireless operates the nation's most reliable and largest wireless voice and data network, serving 87.7 million customers. Headquartered in Basking Ridge, N.J., with more than 87,000 employees nationwide, Verizon Wireless is a joint venture of Verizon Communications (NYSE: VZ) and Vodafone (NYSE 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.

####