Covington, La. (WGNO)- On the North Shore—Verizon Wireless has a ‘top secret’ switch site which helps your phone service stay connected during events like Mardi Gras, Jazz Fest, or when a hurricane strikes!
News with a Twist Reporter Kenny Lopez got an inside look at this networking site!
Here are a few of the cutting-edge technology at this location:
Farm Animals
- In the event of natural disaster or other unplanned interruptions of voice and data service, Verizon Wireless owns and maintains a fleet of portable cell sites — Cells on Wheels (COWS) and Cells on Light Truck (COLTS) – that we can quickly deploy to the affected area to provide wireless communications service.
- Verizon Wireless pre-arranges fuel delivery to COWS/COLTs and back-up generators to keep the network operating at full strength, even if power is lost for an extended period of time.
Battery Room
- Built-in network reliability includes battery and generator back-ups, redundant air conditioners and secure cell sites.
- Backup battery systems can maintain cell site service for approximately 8 hours in case of interruption of commercial power.
- Power can be interrupted due to heavy winds (hurricanes), downed power lines, floods, etc. The inherent reliability of the Verizon Wireless network allows the network to do what it was designed to do, i.e., process calls.
Generator Room
- No human intervention needed.
- Computer knows instantly when power goes out and within 12-15 seconds the generator assumes the load.
Each year throughout the country, Verizon Wireless invests consistently and significantly in network enhancements. In 2014 in the Gulf States alone, Verizon Wireless invested more than $180.6 million to strengthen and enhance wireless coverage for our customers. Verizon invested more than $99 million in Louisiana in 2014.