Bikers Will Have Enhanced Verizon Wireless Network Support At Annual Sturgis Motorcycle Rally In South Dakota

STURGIS, S.D., July 31, 2014 /PRNewswire/ -- Verizon Wireless, the company with the nation's largest and most reliable 4G LTE network has boosted its data network capacity eight times for the 74^th annual Sturgis® Motorcycle Rally™ August 4-10, 2014.  Because of the influx of more than 750,000 people expected for the event, Verizon has boosted its network by increasing its deployment of mobile cell sites from two in 2013 to five and adding more 4G LTE data capacity with the addition of its newest XLTE network technology.

XLTE utilizes Verizon's AWS (Advanced Wireless Services) spectrum, which allows Verizon to deliver significantly increased capacity over its high-speed 4G LTE network.  This means more customers in high-traffic locations can access the company's most advanced technology at the same time to send photos, download videos, surf the Internet and use other popular applications on their smartphones, tablets and other devices during times of peak usage.

Joining the "hogs" in the area, are Verizon's COWS and COLTS – temporary cell sites, known as Cell on Wheels (COWS) or Cell on Light Truck (COLT).  For 2014 Verizon has added three COWS near Jim's Salvage Yard, north of downtown Sturgis and near the Buffalo Chip Campground and a COLT near the Glencoe Campground.  In addition, a small cell was added to the Sturgis Community Center Building.  In addition to these temporary sites, Verizon added additional capacity to existing cell sites in the Sturgis area.    

This investment for the Sturgis Rally is part of Verizon's ongoing commitment to network reliability and enhanced services. Nationwide, more than 350 of Verizon's 4G LTE 500-plus markets have been enhanced with XLTE, with more scheduled to be completed by the end of the year.  In South Dakota, XLTE markets include Aberdeen, Rapid City, Sioux Falls and Watertown. The company consistently earns top rankings from independent consumer reporting and testing institutions for network quality and performance, including in South Dakota. For more information, visit www.verizonwireless.com/lte.

About Verizon Wireless
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SOURCE Verizon Wireless