Watch CBS News

Verizon Wireless Boosts Capacity In Downtown Detroit

DETROIT -- Verizon Wireless has boosted its voice and 3G and 4G data capacity in much of downtown Detroit using an alternative form of technology to traditional cell sites.

The company has installed distributed antenna systems on telephone poles, street lights and traffic lights along Woodward Avenue between Hart Plaza to I-75 as well as in Greektown, Corktown and Mexicantown.

Distributed antenna systems work particularly well in dense, urban areas. Verizon Wireless houses cell site equipment in buildings nearby and uses a fiber optic network to deliver voice and data service to the poles with the distributed antenna systems, thereby increasing wireless capacity in the given area.

The company's ongoing network investment in Michigan now totals more than $1.6 billion. Nationally, Verizon Wireless has invested more than $60 billion since it was formed -- $5.7 billion on average every year -- to increase the coverage and capacity of its premier nationwide network and to add new services.

View CBS News In
CBS News App Open
Chrome Safari Continue
Be the first to know
Get browser notifications for breaking news, live events, and exclusive reporting.