Good News, NW Illinois . . .

New Cell Site Means Clearer Reception, Fewer Dropped Calls

By Tom Kocal

Technology is certainly a good thing, especially when it works. Most residents of Northwest Illinois, as well as those traveling through this picturesque corner of the state, with its rolling hills and scenic vistas, have all experienced the dreaded "dropped" cell phone call. Verizon Wireless has just announced that at least one notorious "dead zone" near Shannon has been improved.

Verizon Wireless has activated a new cell site in Shannon, which will enable more customers to use their wireless phones concurrently to make calls; send and receive email and text, picture and video messages; access the Internet; view high-quality videos; and download music, games and ringtones, while enjoying clearer reception and fewer dropped calls.

The new cell site in Shannon improves coverage in downtown Shannon and along Shannon Route (County Highway 19) as far north as Illinois Route 72, as far south as Willow Road (County Highway 23), as far east as Gold Mine Road and as far west as Center Drive.

"Network reliability is the No. 1reason that customers choose and stay with Verizon Wireless," said T.J. Fox, president­Illinois/Wisconsin Region, Verizon Wireless. "Getting through on the first try and maintaining a connection are important to our customers. We continue to optimize our network so that it remains the most reliable in the nation."

Investments like this in Carroll County enhance the lifestyle and safety of its residents and businesses by ensuring quality, consistent cell phone transmission, while improving internet broadband connections. These types of long-term investments go a long way toward enhancing the efforts of local organizations like the Shannon and Lanark Chambers of Commerce and the Tri-County Economic Development Alliance, who constantly promote this region as a great place to live, work and play.Reliable communications are an essential aspect of rural community development.

The new cell site in Shannon is part of Verizon Wireless' continual effort to expand coverage, increase capacity and enhance the quality of its wireless voice and data network in Illinois and throughout the country. Verizon Wireless has invested more than $50 billion since it was formed$5.5 billion on average every yearto increase the coverage and capacity of its national network and to add new services. Of this investment, $1.2 billion was spent in Illinois, including more than $179.5 million in 2008.

For details on Verizon Wireless and its products and new services, visit Times Video/Radio Shack, your local Verizon Wireless dealer at 218 Chicago Ave. in Savanna, or call them at 815-273-7121.

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