CHARLOTTE, N.C. — Verizon Wireless officials said Tuesday that major upgrades to the company’s wireless data network would be in place before the Democratic National Convention in September.
The company said it was adding hardware to the network, including in-building repeaters, distributed antenna systems and capacity enhancements. The upgrades will be left in place after the convention ends, the company added.
“Our network technicians have made tremendous preparations for the DNC including repositioning antennas, increasing permanent capacity and ensuring all permanent towers are operating at optimum levels," said Frank Cairon, network executive director of Verizon Wireless. "To reinforce connectivity and network coverage, we also installed several permanent DASs, which consist of smaller antennas networked together throughout a venue. These systems run voice, 3G and 4G LTE data, allowing consumers to stream video, share files and surf the web on smartphones and tablets with increased reliability and speed."
Verizon officials also said several temporary mobile cell towers would be used throughout uptown Charlotte to help manage the increased cellular data traffic expected during the DNC.
Verizon has also committed to boosting signals in hotels where delegates will stay during the convention.
The company has also been making network enhancements in Tampa, Fla., for the Republican National Convention that will be held the week before the DNC.
WSOC
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