The 2025 Indianapolis 500 has achieved a groundbreaking feat in data connectivity, marking a significant milestone for Verizon and small business owners alike. With a staggering 172 terabytes (TB) of data used in one day, this year’s race not only set records but also showcased the immense potential of advanced network technologies that small businesses can leverage for their own needs.
Verizon’s President of Great Lakes, Andy Brady, noted, “Connecting a city’s worth of fans at the Indy 500, with more unique users than the Super Bowl had attendees, is a massive undertaking.” Such accomplishments emphasize the importance of robust connectivity for both large-scale events and daily operations in small businesses.
Key benefits are emerging from this surge in connectivity. The 2025 Indy 500 highlighted a remarkable 74.6% increase in 5G Ultrawideband data usage, reaching 61 TB at the event alone. For small business owners, this signifies not only faster mobile communications but also enhanced customer engagement possibilities. Businesses can use similar technologies to improve interactions with clients in real time, upload live content, and share updates instantly with their audience.
The data breakdown reveals further insights into how small businesses might benefit. High fan engagement was evident, with 15 TB of the 61 TB utilized for uploads from attendees, showcasing the potential of user-generated content. This can encourage small businesses to prioritize social media strategies, as real-time sharing contributes significantly to brand visibility and customer relationships.
Moreover, the overall traffic increased by 48.5%, indicating the network’s exceptional capability to handle high demands. Small businesses could explore adopting similar technology solutions to ensure uninterrupted operations, especially during peak times or events. As Brady explained, “This record breaking amount of traffic really highlights the rapid growth of 5G and how it’s truly built to handle massive events.”
One of the hidden challenges that come with such explosive growth in data usage is ensuring that your business has the adequate infrastructure to support this level of connectivity. Small businesses might face hurdles if their current systems aren’t equipped to handle high volumes of data, especially during busy periods. This could lead to missed opportunities if customers experience slow service or connectivity issues.
Verizon’s deployment of 5G Standalone technology at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway played a crucial role in managing the data demands of the event. Small business owners can consider exploring similar network solutions that could enhance their own environments, especially with trends showing increasing reliance on mobile platforms. Investing in advanced networking technology may ultimately pay off in smoother operations and a better customer experience.
In addition to these operational considerations, the ability of businesses to engage with customers through social media gains a new dimension with the use of high-speed networks. Fans at the Indy 500 used their devices to share experiences, and businesses can similarly harness this enthusiasm to create buzz around products or services.
The significant year-over-year growth, evidenced by a combined volume of nearly 172 TB—a 35% increase from the prior year—suggests a lasting trend toward higher data consumption. Small businesses, therefore, should strategize on how to adapt and evolve alongside these technological advancements to stay competitive.
Brady’s comments on the event underscore the necessity for small business owners to anticipate the future of connectivity, stating, “The data capacity of the Verizon network is unmatched.” Embracing such advancements is essential for small businesses aiming to thrive in an increasingly digital landscape.
As the world increasingly depends on technology for both personal and professional interactions, small business owners must recognize the implications of these developments. The Indianapolis 500 serves as a case study in the capacity of advanced networks, offering valuable lessons for businesses looking to leverage connectivity for growth and enhanced customer experiences.
For more information on Verizon’s accomplishments and the implications for small businesses, please visit the original post here.
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