[July 21, 2005] Verizon Wireless Expands its Network for National Scout Jamboree Tweet CAROLINE COUNTY, Va., July 21 /PRNewswire/ -- With more than 40,000 Boy Scouts and leaders expected to attend the 2005 National Scout Jamboree being held July 25 - August 3 at Fort AP Hill, Virginia, Verizon Wireless, operator of the nation's most reliable wireless network, has expanded its network temporarily by installing three Cells-On-Wheels (COWs). The COWs are fully functional, generator-powered mobile cell sites that will help handle the expected spike in call volume during the nine-day gathering of some 870 scout troops, unit leaders and camp staff from across the United States and overseas. The COWs will handle both voice calls and wireless data applications such as picture and text messaging. "Since those attending the National Scout Jamboree rely heavily on their wireless phones to keep in touch with each other, as well as with family and friends back home, our network will be bustling with even more activity than normal," said Patrick Devlin, regional president, Verizon Wireless. "Activating these three COWs enables us to handle the increased call volume and provide our customers with the reliable service they expect and deserve from Verizon Wireless." The ability to meet customer call-volume demand is part of the company's commitment to stay ahead of the growing need for Verizon Wireless' voice and data services. In 2004, Verizon Wireless spent $260 million to enhance its network in Washington, DC, Virginia and Maryland and has invested more than $1 billion to upgrade its network in the same region over the last five years. Additional network enhancements are scheduled to continue through 2005. Nationwide, the company invests $1 billion every 90 days to improve and expand its network. About Verizon Wireless Verizon Wireless owns and operates the nation's most reliable wireless network, serving 45.5 million voice and data customers. Headquartered in Bedminster, NJ, Verizon Wireless is a joint venture of Verizon Communications and Vodafone . Find more information on the Web at http://www.verizonwireless.com/. To receive broadcast-quality video footage of Verizon Wireless operations, log onto http://www.thenewsmarket.com/verizonwireless. Verizon Wireless CONTACT: Sherri Cunningham, +1-202-364-5856, or John Johnson,+1-240-568-1429, [email protected], both of Verizon Wireless Web site: http://www.verizonwireless.com/http://thenewsmarket.com/verizonwireless [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ]