Verizon Wireless Boosts Network at ‘Trop’
During Playoffs To Ensure Big League Coverage
Tampa Bay Rays third-base coach Tom Foley isn’t
the only one making sure his signals are clear during the Rays’
first-ever playoff run. Teams of Verizon Wireless technicians have been
boosting network coverage in and around Tropicana Field to ensure
championship-caliber wireless service for the thousands of fans, media,
and Major League Baseball officials expected to be on hand as the home
team chases the World Series crown.
For the American League Championship Series versus the Boston Red Sox
beginning Friday, Verizon Wireless is boosting call capacity for the
high-tech wireless transmission site that resides inside “The
Trop.” In addition, cell sites that surround
the ballpark will be enhanced to ensure strong service as fans and media
make millions of voice calls, text and picture messages and other
wireless transmissions before, during and after the games.
These sites utilize multiple voice and high-speed data channels, each of
which can handle hundreds of phone calls and data transmissions
simultaneously.
If the Rays advance to the World Series, additional COWS (Cell on
Wheels), COLTS (Cell On Light Trucks) and other resources likely will be
deployed as the Rays and the Verizon Wireless network perform under
baseball’s brightest lights.
The Verizon Wireless network utilizes the most advanced 3G high-speed
wireless technology (EV-DO Rev. A), which allows customers to enjoy
clearer call reception and faster speeds when sending text or multimedia
messages. It also complements more advanced wireless services, such as V
CAST – which allows customers to stream
video clips, play cutting-edge 3D games and download full song tracks
over the air; VZ Navigator – a
location-based service offering maps, audible driving directions,
traffic updates, gas station locations and pricing; and the newest, most
reliable Push To Talk technology.
Customers using the company’s BroadbandAccess
data service to wirelessly access their email and calendars, the
Internet and other information, can expect average download speeds of
600 kilobits per second (kbps) to 1.4 megabits per second and average
upload speeds of 500-800 kbps. At those speeds, customers can upload or
download a 1 Megabyte e-mail attachment – the
equivalent of a small PowerPoint®
presentation or a large PDF file – in less
than two seconds.
Boosting coverage at The Trop throughout the post-season is part of the
company’s continuing investment to expand
coverage, increase capacity and enhance the quality of its wireless
voice and data network throughout the country. Verizon Wireless has
invested more than $1.8 billion in Florida and $45 billion nationally
since the company was formed. The company spent more than $250 million
to enhance services and coverage in Florida during the past 18 months.
About Verizon Wireless
Verizon Wireless operates the nation’s most
reliable wireless voice and data network, serving 68.7 million
customers. Headquartered in Basking Ridge, N.J., with 70,000 employees
nationwide, Verizon Wireless is a joint venture of Verizon
Communications (NYSE:VZ) and Vodafone (NYSE and LSE:VOD). For more
information, go to: 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.
Verizon Wireless, Tampa
Chuck Hamby, 813-615-4803
Chuck.Hamby@VerizonWireless.com
