Verizon Wireless' "COLT" Gallops To Bumbershoot in Seattle, Washington

SEATTLE, WA — In a continuing effort to provide the best wireless service, the company will expand its network capacity during Seattle's Bumbershoot festivities this weekend, by deploying a temporary mobile cell site called a COLT (Cell on Light Truck).

The COLT will be stationed near the Seattle Center, allowing more customers to use their wireless phones concurrently in making calls, sending and receiving text and picture messages and downloading games and music.

"With more than 150,000 music fans expected throughout the weekend, we typically experience a massive surge in wireless activity," said Kelley Kurtzman, regional president for Verizon Wireless. "We maintain a fleet of mobile cell sites to draw on for these kinds of situations. Whether the need is a civic event or a community emergency, we're able to bring in an additional mobile cell site that works along with our existing network in the area to handle a dramatic increase in wireless usage."

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 extended emergencies including equipment, fuel, electrical generators, food, water, and cots.

The temporary cell site is part of Verizon Wireless' ongoing commitment to network reliability, and to increasing and enhancing the capability and capabilities of its wireless voice and data network in the Puget Sound region and across the country. The company's investment in its Washington network alone now totals more than $594 million over the past five and a half years  — part of a $40 billion nationwide network investment over the last seven years.

About Verizon Wireless
Verizon Wireless operates the nation's most reliable wireless voice and data network, serving 62.1 million customers. The largest U.S. wireless company and largest wireless data provider, based on revenues, Verizon Wireless is headquartered in Basking Ridge, N.J., with 67,000 employees nationwide. The company is a joint venture of Verizon Communications (NYSE: VZ) and Vodafone (NYSE and 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.

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