INDIANAPOLIS, May 23, 2006 (PRIMEZONE) -- Verizon Wireless revved up its network capacity during the Indy 500 by upgrading area cell sites that provide service to the Indianapolis Motor Speedway and surrounding area.
The upgrades will enable more customers to use their wireless phones concurrently to make calls, send and receive text and picture messages, and download games and ringtones.
"During the Indy 500, Hoosiers and visitors rely heavily on their wireless handsets to keep in touch with friends and family -- not only with phone calls, but also through text, picture and video messaging," said Greg Haller, president - Indiana/Kentucky/Michigan Region, Verizon Wireless. "Our network is prepared to handle the expected increased activity throughout the racing season."
These upgrades are part of Verizon Wireless' continuous effort to increase coverage and augment the quality of its wireless voice and data network in Indiana 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 nearly $400 million over the past four years in its Indiana network.
About Verizon Wireless
Verizon Wireless owns and operates the nation's most reliable wireless network, serving 53 million voice and data customers. Headquartered in Bedminster, N.J., Verizon Wireless is a joint venture of Verizon Communications (NYSE:VZ) and Vodafone (NYSE:VOD) (LSE:VOD). 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.