US Open Tennis Fans Send Record Number Of Messages During First Week Of Event

Verizon Wireless Temporary Cell Site Handles 80 Percent Increase in Data Connections; Reduction in Voice Traffic Reflects Increasing Use of Smartphones & PDAs.

ORANGEBURG, NY — Verizon Wireless today reported that tennis fans attending the 2009 US Open sent a record number of emails and text, picture and video messages in and around Arthur Ashe Stadium last week. Those messages were delivered successfully thanks to the Verizon Wireless network in place and a temporary Cell on Wheels (COW) deployed by the company at Flushing Meadows in anticipation of this increased demand.

“US Open fans are letting their fingers do the talking this year as increasing numbers of Verizon Wireless customers use Smartphones and PDAs to stay in touch courtside with their homes and offices,” said Michele White, executive director-network for the company’s NY Metro Region. “The number of data connections established by Verizon Wireless customers in and around the tennis center during the busiest hours of the event last week was 80 percent higher than last year while voice traffic was down. Our customers can rest assured that Verizon Wireless’ “Most Reliable” network will deliver their messages despite this unprecedented demand. We continue to monitor voice and data traffic in and out of the stadium and can make changes to increase capacity as needed.”

The COW is a fully functional, generator-powered mobile cell site that enhances wireless coverage and capacity inside the tennis center. It features a 75-foot telescoping antenna and eight dedicated voice and five high-speed data channels, each of which can handle hundreds of simultaneous calls and data transmissions. The COW will remain in place for the duration of the competition which began on August 31 and ends on Sunday, September 13, 2009.

Verizon Wireless’ network utilizes the most advanced 3G high-speed Evolution-Data Optimized (EV-DO) Revision A (Rev. A) wireless technology, allowing customers to enjoy clearer call reception and faster speeds when sending text or multimedia messages. It also complements more advanced wireless services, such as V CAST, which allows customers to stream video clips, play cutting-edge 3D games and download songs over-the-air; and VZ Navigator(SM), a location-based service offering maps, audible driving directions, traffic updates and gas station locations/pricing.

The ability to meet network demand at the US Open is part of Verizon Wireless’ ongoing commitment to stay ahead of the growing demand for its voice, data and mobile entertainment services. The company has invested more than $2.2 billion in the New York Metro area network and some $50 billion across the nation since 2000 to increase coverage and capacity and to offer customers the nation’s most reliable service. See complete details of Verizon Wireless 2009 New York Metro network investment at http://news.vzw.com/news/2009/09/pr2009-09-01.html

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