DES MOINES, Iowa, July 22, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- Verizon Wireless, the company with the nation's largest and most reliable wireless voice and data network, will boost network capacity in cities and highways along this year's route for the Register's Annual Great Bicycle Ride Across Iowa (RAGBRAI®) July 24-30.

In addition, the company will deploy temporary cell sites, known as Cell on Wheels (COWS) or Cell on Light Trucks (COLTS), in five communities:

Atlantic, July 24, COLT near West 7th Street and Sunnyside Lane;
Carroll, July 25, COLT near North Grant Road and 8th Street;
Coralville, July 25, COLT near 19th Avenue and Applewood Court;
Altoona, July 27, COW near Northeast 7th Street Southwest and 2nd Avenue Southwest; and
Grinnell, July 28, COW near 10th Avenue and Elm Street.

Verizon Wireless' fleet of COLTS and COWS provide service at special events, such as RAGBRAI, that demand additional network capacity. These temporary cell sites are equivalent to the highest capacity stationary site presently in Iowa and are able to process thousands of calls every hour. They are primarily designed for use when natural disasters or other unplanned events interrupt wireless voice and data service.

"As the official wireless provider for RAGBRAI, we are committed to serving our customers as well as the ride organizers along this year's route," said Seamus Hyland, president-Great Plains Region, Verizon Wireless. "Based on our research, we anticipate each of these Iowa communities will experience more than double the wireless phone usage during the ride's tour stops than would occur during an average summer day. We are prepared to deliver the best wireless network and services for visitors, journalists and local residents."

Heading into its 39th year, RAGBRAI is the longest, largest and oldest touring bicycle ride in the world. RAGBRAI's 10,000 riders will attract an estimated 10,000 viewers at most stops along the route.

About Verizon Wireless

Verizon Wireless operates the nation's fastest, most advanced 4G network and largest, most reliable 3G network. The company serves 104 million total wireless connections, including more than 88 million retail customers. Headquartered in Basking Ridge, N.J., with 85,000 employees nationwide, Verizon Wireless is a joint venture of Verizon Communications (NYSE, NASDAQ: [ VZ ]) and Vodafone (LSE, NASDAQ: VOD). For more information, visit [ 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 ].

SOURCE Verizon Wireless

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RAGBRAI Riders Will Stay Connected Across Iowa With Verizon Wireless' Enhanced Network Support

RAGBRAI Riders Will Stay Connected Across Iowa With Verizon Wireless' Enhanced Network Support

Company Boosts Network Coverage and Capacity Along Route and Deploys Portable Cell Sites in Atlantic, Carroll, Coralville, Altoona and Grinnell