Verizon Wireless Tests 4G Networks With Teams of Employees

Apparently, there’s more to Verizon’s tagline "Can You Hear Me Now?" than just good marketing copy. From CTIA Enterprise and Applications 2011, Verizon Wireless said it is equipping its fleet of test vehicles with 4G testing and monitoring equipment to encompass all of the major operating networks in the United States. Verizon Wireless’ team of systems performance engineers will utilize the 4G testing equipment to monitor the company’s 4G LTE network as well as the high-speed data networks of competitors that use LTE and other technologies.

Using testing equipment from Ascom, a global technology company, Verizon Wireless test men and women are performing mobile data tests on the Verizon Wireless 4G LTE network as it continues to roll out across the country. The collected data will be used to measure network performance, benchmark against competitors, and assist Verizon Wireless network engineers who are responsible for maintaining and planning improvements and expansions of the company’s network. The fleet includes about 100 test vehicles.

Verizon Wireless is conducting 4G data tests in more than 140 cities where the company’s 4G LTE network is currently available. Verizon Wireless will expand its 4G LTE network testing program into new markets as they launch. 1X voice and 3G data testing continue in all markets.

When Verizon Wireless launched in 2000, its test men and women measured fundamental information about voice call performance. Today, as more wireless consumers use smartphones and wirelessly access data services, Verizon Wireless also tests to determine whether a data session connected, how quickly the connection was made, whether it stayed connected, and how quickly data was transmitted during the connection.

Annually, Verizon Wireless test men and test women travel more than 1 million miles and conduct more than 3.5 million voice call attempts and more than 19 million data tests on the Verizon Wireless network and the wireless networks of competitors in different markets across the United States. Test results are analyzed to assist the company in directing its network capital expenditure program, including placement of new cellular sites and expansion of existing network capabilities in growing communities.