Verizon Wireless Network Primed and Ready for Presidential Debate

The presidential candidates weren't the only ones prepping for the foreign relations debate in Oxford at the University of Mississippi. Verizon Wireless has enhanced coverage and call-handling capacity so that the best possible wireless experience continues on the nation's most reliable network before, during and after the debate. Democrats and Republicans alike won't be worried about dead zones and dropped calls during the debate with additional capacity and coverage deployed by Verizon Wireless at the University of Mississippi.

Verizon Wireless customers will also experience 3G Evolution-Data Optimized (EV-DO) Revision A (Rev. A) technology allowing the most advanced high-speed wireless network enabling customers to browse the Internet, download music, send e-mail and multimedia messages, as well as access other advanced wireless services more reliably and at even faster broadband speeds. The Rev. A network allows customers to access the latest productivity and entertainment applications on their wireless phones, laptops and other wireless devices with average download speeds of 600 kilobits per second (kbps) to 1.4 megabits per second and upload speeds of 500-800 kbps.

Two mobile units have been deployed, a COLT (Cell on Light Truck) and a COW (Cell on Wheels) to provide additional voice and high-speed data channels that can handle hundreds of phone calls and data transmissions simultaneously. These units are part of a fleet of mobile cell sites the company maintains not only to enhance service surrounding large-scale events but also in times of natural disasters. They strengthen the already robust, Verizon Wireless network in the Oxford area and across the state during the expected spike in wireless calls, text messages, picture and video messages, Internet connections and other wireless traffic related to the presidential debate.

"It's clear that wireless devices are essential communications tools especially during a historic presidential debate," said Jerry Fountain, president Carolinas/Tennessee region. "These units allow us to provide the most advanced and reliable network allowing customers to capture history in the making with reliability when and where they need it."

Verizon Wireless has invested over $30 million since 2006 in Mississippi to enhance services and coverage to customers throughout the state. Nationwide, Verizon Wireless has invested more than $45 billion in its network since the company's inception.

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).

SOURCE Verizon Wireless