Verizon Wireless' 'C.O.L.T.' To Make Pit Stop At Dover International Speedway

'Mobile' Cell Site Will Help Handle More than Double the Normal Call Volume

DOVER, Del., Sept. 22 -- In a continuing effort to provide the best wireless service for fans during this weekend's NASCAR events, including the Dover 400 at Dover Downs International Speedway, Verizon Wireless will beef up its network capacity by deploying a temporary mobile cell site called a COLT (Cell on Light Truck) at Dover Downs. The COLT will enhance wireless capacity, allowing more customers to use their wireless phones concurrently to make calls, send and receive text and picture messages, and download games and ringtones. The company reports that during the big race weekend Verizon Wireless' network will handle more than double the normal number of wireless calls compared to a typical weekend, and more than four times normal call volume during Sunday's Dover 400 event.

"With more than 130,000 race fans expected throughout the weekend, along with news media and the pit crews themselves, we anticipate a significant surge in wireless activity," said Michele White, network executive director for Verizon Wireless' Philadelphia Tri-State Region. "In these instances, we bring in an additional mobile cell site that works along with our existing network in the area to handle the increase in wireless calling."

  Quick Facts on the Verizon Wireless COLT

   - The temporary cell site can process thousands of calls every hour.
   - 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 generators, food,
     water and cots.

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 the Philadelphia Tri-State Region and across the country. Verizon Wireless has invested $30 billion in the last six years - $5 billion on average every year since the company was formed - to increase the coverage and capacity of its national network and to add new services. The company has invested more than $250 million over the last 15 months in its Philadelphia Region network, which includes Delaware.

About Verizon Wireless

Verizon Wireless owns and operates the nation's most reliable wireless network, serving 54.8 million voice and data customers. The company is headquartered in Basking Ridge, NJ. 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.