COW to attend Bike Week

A half million motorcycle enthusiasts are expected to visit New Hampshire’s Lakes Region during Laconia Motorcycle week, which begins Saturday, and a 25,000-pound COW – or “cell on wheels” — will be among them.

Verizon Wireless has announced plans to set up a temporary cell site to enhance local wireless capacity for the duration of the event.

“Nearly 500,000 individuals and motorcycles will converge on Weirs Beach during Bike Week, creating a significant surge in wireless activity,” said Richard Enright, director of network operations for Verizon Wireless New England. “The addition of a mobile COW will increase network capacity to handle the anticipated rise of wireless voice and data traffic during the nine-day event.”

The generator-powered mobile cell site contains $500,000 in sophisticated mobile equipment and features a 55-foot retractable mast. Power produced through the mobile unit is equivalent to the highest capacity stationary site presently in the Verizon Wireless network, able to process thousands of calls every hour. – TRACIE STONE