Wi-Fi shared by AT&T, Sprint, T-Mobile US and Verizon
By 2017, Transit Wireless expects to have a robust Wi-Fi network deployed in some 279 New York City subway stations. The company, which heads up the deployments, has already wired more than 100 stations and is commencing “Phase 4” of the build out.
The newest stage comprises 37 stations, covering an estimated 16 million monthly riders across Manhattan and the Bronx; completion is slated by the end of the year.
“As we celebrate the 100thstation coming online, we want to thank our wireless carrier partners, the MTA and our team at Transit Wireless for all their efforts in helping us reach this goal ahead of schedule,” said Transit Wireless CEO William Bayne, in a statement. “We have hit a significant milestone in deploying our high-capacity wireless and Wi-Fi underground network, a huge accomplishment considering the complexity of this project.”
The first two phases of the project cover some 47 million monthly Metropolitan Transit Authority riders. Phase 3, which will cover 39 stations and an additional 12 million monthly riders, is under way. The in-building network also extends E911 service into the subway.
MTA Chairman and CEO Thomas Prendergast said the project goal is “improving the travel experiences of our customers while offering another level of security.”
All four major U.S. carriers — AT&T, Sprint, T-Mobile US and Verizon — are partners on the project.
AT&T’s VP and GM for New York and New Jersey said the continuing deployment will allow AT&T to “deliver best-in-class voice and 4G LTE data experiences for our customers underground.”
Sprint VP of engineering Greg O’Connor noted the importance of connected key transfer stations like 59th/Lexington Avenue, 125th Street and 149th S. Grand Concourse.
“It’s great to know that thousands of Sprint customers will be able to enjoy expanded access to wireless voice and data services on a daily basis as they make their way through some of the MTA’s busiest station complexes and service lines,” O’Connor said.
