AT&T has expanded its contract with Transit Wireless to bring wireless voice and data coverage to more New York City subway stations.
The two companies have already worked together on coverage in six stations from an initial build in Chelsea and 30 other stations in Transit Wireless’ first phase of network build-out for the city’s subway system. This contract extension includes as many as 242 other underground subway stations.
“AT&T has been a valued partner in making this project a reality since the very beginning,” said William A. Bayne Jr., CEO of Transit Wireless. “By extending their commitment throughout the full build of this project, AT&T is helping ensure dependable, high-speed wireless coverage in the subway system for all their customers in New York and future innovations that improve the rider experience for years to come.”
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Sprint signed on for the full build in mid-2013 and Verizon Wireless coverage was added to about 35 stations earlier this year. The project to cover the NYC subway system is currently in its second phase, covering mid-town Mahattan and Queens, with all four major wireless carriers signed on. That phase is expected to be completed this summer.
AT&T is in the process of installing equipment in Transit Wireless’ base station hotel to enable 3G and LTE coverage in the 40 phase two stations, Transit Wireless added.
“Bringing wireless service into the New York City subway has been a big step forward for our customers, and we’re pleased that even more of them will be able to take advantage of it,” said Metropolitan Transit Authority Chairman and CEO Thomas F. Prendergast. “The ability to make and receive phone calls underground is an important improvement for safety and security as well as convenience, and our customers will certainly appreciate it.”