Wireless Gets the Green Flag at the Indy 500

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You may not know what a Distributed Antenna System (DAS) is, but those attending the IndyCar series at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway (IMS) will be happy to know it is up and running. 

A DAS creates additional capacity when many users are accessing a wireless network at peak times.  Verizon Wireless can install a DAS to provide additional capacity where it is needed, including one for fans at the IMS.  It’s all part of the job for Verizon’s network engineers, who, unlike most of the engineers at the raceway, don’t wear jumpsuits or work in the pits.

For this year’s race, Verizon Wireless is expecting a 250 percent growth in 4G LTE data usage by the expected crowd of 300,000 fans. In anticipation of the increased data usage, Verizon Wireless has amped up its network, adding:

  • 200+ DAS antennas in grandstands and suites
  • 35 temporary antennas on scoreboards, which will eventually become part of the permanent infrastructure at the track
  • Two Cells on Light Trucks (COLTs) that will be at specific spots along the west side of the track to facilitate mobile traffic from converging crowds created by foot traffic and parking lots
  • An in-building solution for the landmark Pagoda

The Verizon Wireless IndyCar 14 app also received an update with a new weekend concierge feature, which offers dynamic fan polls, customizable text alerts and driver meet-and-greet schedules. And, for the first time, fans can also use their Advanced Wireless Services (AWS)-capable devices to tap into the Verizon Wireless 4G LTE network.

As the title sponsor of the IndyCar series, Verizon recognizes that there’s plenty that can be shared wirelessly from the IMS beyond the race itself. Maybe the final Jim Nabors rendition of “Back Home Again in Indiana” could go viral from fans – as the 83-year-old marks his last performance. If not, it might be a special moment with the glampers who are vying for the best high-tech camping spots in the Snake Pit. Either way, fans can rest assured that Verizon Wireless is the trackside pit crew that is taking care of the network side so that calls, texts, tweets and posts get delivered. That’s Verizon Wireless’ version of mobile hospitality for any fan checking out the World’s Greatest Spectacle in Racing.

As part of its ongoing commitment to providing a best-in-class wireless experience, Verizon Wireless invested $130 million in its Indiana network in 2013. The network enhancements included new cell sites for improved network reliability and expected data capacity growth. The recognition of the company's network in Indiana and the nation show that the company has already taken the checkered flag for performance in the Hoosier State.

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