Verizon Wireless Deploys Temporary Cell Site In Fargo To Enhance Network Coverage

FARGO, ND — Verizon Wireless announced today that it is deploying a temporary cell site, or Cell on Light Truck (COLT), at Centennial Elementary School in South Fargo to enhance coverage and capacity of its wireless voice and data network in this area as residents and volunteers sandbag in preparation for the Red River flood cresting by Saturday.

In addition to deploying the COLT, the Verizon Wireless network team has added capacity to eight cell sites in the Fargo area and is monitoring the network 24/7 to add additional capacity as needed. All cell sites have remained on the air in rising flood areas in North Dakota and northwestern Minnesota.

The COLT is a self-contained mobile cell site specifically designed for rapid and short-term emergency response. This temporary cell site is equivalent to the highest-capacity stationary site presently in North Dakota and is able to process thousands of calls every hour. Verizon Wireless maintains a fleet of mobile cell sites for response in emergency situations, such as the floods in the Red River Valley.

Verizon Wireless’ nationwide voice and data network reliability is augmented by these temporary cell sites and other industry-leading redundancy and maintenance measures, which have proven particularly valuable during natural disasters and other emergencies. These measures include battery back-up power at all facilities as well as generators installed at all network switching facilities and many cell site locations.