New Yorkers Will Finally Get Full Mobile Coverage On The Subway

This is not a drill, it’s actually happening! Passengers aboard the bustling New York Subway can finally tweet about that new weirdo on the train without disruption, as the city looks to ink a US$600 million deal to build out connection over the entire network within 10 years, bringing full mobile coverage.

According to TechRadar, the Metropolitan Transit Authority (MTA) will partner Transit Wireless for the long-awaited undertaking, with the duo promising the project will be worth a total of over US$1 billion in benefits. 

While commuters can access Wi-Fi at subterranean and above-ground stations, the L Train tunnel between Brooklyn and Manhattan only received full cell service in 2020, with that slated to expand to all 418 track miles of subway tunnels.

In addition, Wi-Fi service will be further extended to all 191 above-ground subway stations and the 21 stations on the Staten Island Railway, transforming the entire system into a “fully digitally connected transit network.” 

“We live in a digitally connected world and serve a city that is always on the go,” explained NYC Transit President Richard Davey. 

“Having uninterrupted network connection underground will reimagine how New Yorkers travel by providing the opportunity to take advantage of every minute of their commute with cell service and internet connection, which can also ease any traveling obstacles visitors face when trying to navigate the system,” he added. 

“This latest advancement in technology will coordinate with other work throughout the system to fit out hundreds of miles of tunnels to enable cell service between stations and support MTA operational needs,” remarked MTA President of Construction and Development, Jamie Torres-Springer.

“We look forward to closing the remaining cellular coverage and data connectivity gaps in our subway system.” 

[via TechRadar and Metropolitan Transit Authority, cover image via Allen.G / Shutterstock.com]