Verizon Wireless may not be garnering the attention it once did, when it premiered as IndyCar Series title sponsor, but they quietly doubled down, this May. Again.
Bravo.
—Chris
[release]
Verizon Indianapolis 500 fans shattered data usage records at the historic 100th running
INDIANAPOLIS — Verizon customers streamed more video and shared more of their experiences at the 100th running of the Indianapolis 500 than ever before over Verizon’s 4G LTE network. From Friday, May 27 to Sunday, May 29, a total of 20.8 terabytes of data moved over Verizon’s network – more than double what was used by fans in 2015. One terabyte of data is equivalent to streaming roughly 1,000 hours of online video content.
Verizon performance engineers confirmed that from 5 a.m. to 7 p.m. on Indianapolis 500 Race Day more than 10 terabytes of data – social media, calls and texts – moved exclusively over Verizon’s network covering the track and immediate surrounding area.
The two highest data usage moments were the beginning of the race at 12:19 p.m. followed by a second spike at 1:15 p.m. when Juan Pablo Montoya’s car crashed.
In 2015, Verizon customers used 9-plus terabytes – double what was used in 2014.
“We’ve seen the amount of data used at the Indianapolis 500 double each of the past few years, which is incredible,” said Abby Knowles, executive director of network operations for Verizon’s Great Lakes Market. “Thanks to detailed analysis and planning by our network teams, we continue to meet and exceed our customer’s expectations even with dramatic increases in data use.”
Verizon was prepared for this year’s sellout crowd with its custom wireless network facility built at the track that can handle the voice and data needs for up to 400,000 fans at any given time. The Indianapolis Motor Speedway serves as the largest network footprint in the country for a single event.
