Verizon Wireless has invested more than $1.5 million to expand and enhance its voice and data network at Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport.Verizon Wireless has increased the quality of its wireless network coverage through the airport’s new distributed antenna system.

The system has enhanced the Verizon Wireless network’s already strong existing voice and EV- DO data networks with more than 700 antennas throughout the airport providing wireless coverage to more than 5.8 million square-feet.

This state-of-the-art system is an optical fiber-based system that enables the distribution of wireless signals to remote locations to serve more than 240,000 passengers that pass every day through Hartsfield-Jackson.

With 86 million travelers having passed through Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International in 2005 and more than 55,000 airport employees on-site, this wireless system improves the passenger and employee experience and allows travelers to use their mobile phones virtually anywhere in the airport.

Passengers will now be able to stay in touch with improved call clarity and higher data throughput from the ticketing and baggage area to the concourses.

“This technology solution will improve the passenger experience at Atlanta airport by allowing travelers to use their mobile phones and data devices anywhere in the airport,” said Lance Lyttle, CIO, Department of Aviation, Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport.

“The strong and reliable network offered by the in-building distributed antenna system makes the airport a premier launching pad for these next generation technologies.”

Jim McGean, regional president for Verizon Wireless, said: “At Verizon Wireless, we are squarely focused on exceeding our customer expectations and delivering the nation’s best, most reliable wireless network. We are thrilled to work with Hartsfield-Jackson Airport to bring this important, advanced wireless network to those who travel through the airport.”

Verizon Wireless’ EV-DO network, the first national wireless broadband network, is available to about 150 million Americans in 180 major metropolitan markets.

With typical user speeds of 400-700 kilobits per second (kbps), the company’s wireless broadband service, BroadbandAccess, provides mobile workers full access to their corporate information, with the freedom of true mobility.

Working with virtual private network (VPN) connections, Verizon Wireless customers can use BroadbandAccess as an extension of their corporate local area network (LAN) or intranet, allowing them to work from any location within the EV-DO network coverage area.
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