Better Cell Phone Service Planned for Dayton Fair

The Armstrong County Department of Public Safety, on behalf of the Armstrong County Board of Commissioners, announced late-last week that Verizon Wireless will be hosting a Cell on Wheels solution for the Dayton Fair this coming August.

The Cell on Wheels - informally known as a COW - will provide much-needed mobile wireless coverage throughout the week, benefiting patrons, vendors, sponsors, emergency responders, and the fair organizers.

County 9-1-1 Coordinator Ron Bausert pointed out that the foremost advantage to the added wireless coverage is to provide enhanced safety and security to the thousands of patrons who are expected to attend. Verizon customers will now have strong signal throughout the fairgrounds, and will be able to deliver calls to 9-1-1 and contact family members in the event of an emergency.

“This enhanced mobile coverage, combined with 9-1-1’s ICORRS radio network, will provide clear, concise, and reliable emergency communications to first responders, who will be staged at strategic locations across the venue,” a County press release stated.

The extra wireless coverage will also provide increased marketing opportunities for vendors the week of August 8-17 – including if a vendor desires to accept credit and debit cards.

Livestock bidding would also be enhanced by making it possible to send video messages to friends and family members who are not present.

COW coverage will also provide Internet access to patrons and vendors, using your Verizon wireless device, such as smart phones, tablet, or hot spot.

Armstrong County Commissioner Chairman Dave Battaglia lauded Baustert and the Dayton Fair Board for being instrumental in bringing this together.

“It will be great when permanent service is in place but their hard work in having service ready for this year’s fair will enhance this great event,” Battaglia said.