MINNEAPOLIS, MN — Verizon Wireless' network in South Dakota is 100% operational, while network operations in North Dakota and Minnesota are at full service after the first severe winter storm of 2005 raced across the Dakotas and Minnesota earlier this week.
Network technicians have worked round-the-clock to restore power at cell sites affected by rolling power outages in communities in central and eastern South Dakota. A handful of cell sites are being powered by generators due to power outages in the area, and a special team has been brought in to keep the generators refueled.
In South Dakota, 77 percent of Verizon Wireless cell sites have built-in generators. Other sites have hook-ups for portable generators and all cell sites have eight hours of battery backup power.
In North Dakota, network coverage remained strong during the storm, but with power outages, currently two cell sites are operating on generator power. No cell sites were affected in Minnesota.
"Network reliability is critical during storms such as this, and we invest significant resources and effort to prepare and respond effectively," said Nancy B. Clark, president-Great Plains Region, Verizon Wireless. "Our network team is working hard to ensure communications services in the areas affected by this winter storm."
About Verizon Wireless
Verizon Wireless owns and operates the nation's most reliable wireless network, serving 49.3 million voice and data customers. Headquartered in Bedminster, N.J., Verizon Wireless 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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