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Verizon's cell tower on wheels (photos)

When disaster strikes, Verizon Wireless can deploy a cell tower on wheels to keep the network running. CNET goes inside at CTIA 2012.

Kent German
Kent was a senior managing editor at CNET News. A veteran of CNET since 2003, he reviewed the first iPhone and worked in both the London and San Francisco offices. When not working, he's planning his next vacation, walking his dog or watching planes land at the airport (yes, really).
Kent German
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Not just a truck

NEW ORLEANS--If you passed it on the freeway, you might think this was an ordinary Verizon Wireless truck on its way to maintain equipment. Look a little closer, however, and you'll see this is a different kind of vehicle. Known as a COLT (cell on light truck), it's actually a fully contained cell site that can be driven to almost anywhere in the country in a matter of hours. Verizon can deploy one of its 100 COLTs to a disaster-stricken area to boost the carrier's network for residents and emergency workers. On either side of the cab are antennas that can reach 60 feet tall.
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Be prepared

Hans Leutdenegger, Verizon's regional vice president of network, described the carrier's initiatives for disaster preparedness. And in a city devastated by Hurricane Katrina seven years ago, he reminded us that the 2012 hurricane season begins June 1.
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Come in

You enter the COLT through a door on the driver's side.
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Keeping it cool

Two air-conditioning units keep the inside comfortable cool. Indeed, it felt great on a humid New Orleans day.
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Linking up

The equipment immediately inside the door is used to establish a link between the COLT and Verizon's network.
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Wires everywhere

Even in a wireless world, it takes a lot of wires to power the network.
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4G LTE

This locked cabinet houses the needed equipment for powering the carrier's 4G LTE network.
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4G LTE

Here's a look inside the door.
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Voice and 3G

In the next cabinet you'll find the equipment for the 2G voice and 3G EV-DO data networks.
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Staying on

For power, the COLT has 18 batteries (pictured here) and a generator that can last three days.
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Cables

Thick cables connect the batteries and generators to the network equipment.
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Drive time

The cab seats two people, but only one person is needed to operate the COLT.

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