ORLANDO, Fla., Feb. 20, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- When hundreds of thousands of basketball and race fans roar into Central Florida for the NBA All-Star Game and the Daytona 500 on February 26, they'll also experience high-flying and high-speed wireless performance on smartphones, tablets and other devices from Verizon Wireless.

Verizon Wireless operates the nation's largest 4G LTE network in Orlando, Daytona Beach and more than a dozen additional Florida markets, and has made special preparations to ensure strong coverage for visitors and locals during the two high-profile events.

For the NBA All-Star Game at Orlando's Amway Center, Verizon has expanded capacity at numerous 4G LTE and 3G cell sites that serve the area. The company also has installed powerful base station equipment for both the 4G LTE and 3G networks inside the arena, and recently completed high-tech in-building systems at various hotels and other facilities in the Orlando area expected to host large numbers of fans, news media and other visitors. Verizon launched 4G LTE services in Orlando in December 2010 and has been enhancing the network in the region over the past 15 months.

For "The Great American Race," Verizon Wireless will deploy two "hybrid" Cells On Wheels (C.O.W.) – each featuring a 75-foot telescoping antenna and advanced hardware for both 4G LTE and 3G voice and high-speed data channels – near Daytona International Speedway. Verizon also will install a smaller mobile 3G cell site to serve parking areas and gathering spots on the north side of the racetrack.

In addition, Verizon technicians have completed installation of in-building wireless systems in some "Race Week" hot spots and boosted capacity at nearby 4G LTE and 3G cell sites. Verizon launched 4G LTE services in Daytona Beach last September.

The Verizon Wireless 4G LTE high-speed network now covers more than 200 million Americans in 196 markets. The company plans to cover its entire Florida footprint with 4G LTE by the end of 2013.

"We'll have hundreds of thousands of fans plus news media from around the world using their smartphones, tablets and other devices to make calls, send videos and photos, and upload and download content in a small geographic area," said Frank Wise, network executive director for Verizon Wireless in Florida. "But we've built and boosted our high-speed networks to perform like a champion for these high-profile, high-demand events."

About Verizon Wireless
Verizon Wireless operates the nation's largest 4G LTE network and largest, most reliable 3G network. The company serves 108.7 million total wireless connections, including 92.2 million retail customers. Headquartered in Basking Ridge, N.J., with nearly 82,000 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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