Wireless networks boost capacity for political conventions

Verizon followed rival AT&T on Monday in saying it had improved the capacity of its wireless network in Cleveland and Philadelphia in time for the Republican and Democratic national conventions.

Verizon said it had increased capacity twofold in and around the Quicken Loans Arena in Cleveland, site of the Republican National Convention in late July.

{mosads}It has increased its network capacity six times over in Philadelphia’s Wells Fargo Center, home of the 76ers basketball team and venue for the Democratic nominating convention. A mobile cellular array will provide additional capacity in downtown Philadelphia, the carrier said.

Verizon’s announcement follows AT&T’s own upgrades. The company is the “official communications and technology provider” for both conventions.

AT&T said it would triple the capacity of its network in downtown Cleveland and double its network capacity in Philadelphia.

Both companies are also increasing capacity in some of the hotels that will house the roughly 50,000 attendees expected at both conventions. The companies are using small devices that boost wireless signals in both cities.

It’s not uncommon for wireless providers to increase capacity for major public events. Both companies spent millions to enhance their networks during the 2015 visit by Pope Francis to the United States, including in Philadelphia.

The Republican convention begins on July 18; Democrats start theirs a week later.