Network Ready with $6.4 Million Investment in New Cell Sites and Expanded Network Capacity; New Store Opens Near Convention Site

SAINT PAUL, Minn., Aug. 27 /PRNewswire/ -- In preparation for the Republican National Convention (RNC) on Sept. 1-4, Verizon Wireless has made significant upgrades to its voice and data network and opened a conveniently located Communications Store in downtown Saint Paul. Together, these steps will improve the experience customers enjoy when they make voice calls and send text, picture or video messages or when they shop for handsets or accessories while attending the convention.

From the first speech to the final balloon drop, Verizon Wireless' network is ready to handle a 33 percent increase in voice traffic and 150 percent more data transmissions during each day of the convention than during a normal day. The operator of the nation's most reliable wireless voice and data network has invested $6.4 million in network improvements for the estimated 45,000 visitors including delegates, politicians and 15,000 media coming to the greater Minneapolis-Saint Paul area.

To provide a convenient location for the company's customers attending the RNC, Verizon Wireless opened a new Communications Store in downtown Saint Paul at 201 W. 7th Street in July. In addition, the company's Mall of America store has been remodeled to showcase a new and highly interactive retail concept.

'We have made a significant investment in network improvements to provide the reliable, high-quality network service customers expect from Verizon Wireless,' said Nancy B. Clark president -- Great Plains region, Verizon Wireless. 'Our customers will be talking, texting, navigating and e-mailing with their wireless phones and devices at a record-setting pace. And, if they have any questions, or need extra batteries or accessories, our downtown Saint Paul store will be within easy walking distance from the convention and all of our stores will be ready to serve them.'

COWs and COLTs join the Elephant at the party

As part of Verizon Wireless' network preparation for the convention, the company will activate temporary cell sites, known as Cells on Wheels (COWs) and Cells on Light Truck (COLTs) at high-demand locations in the Twin Cities area.