New York’s MTA to expand Wi-Fi across subway system

New York’s Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) has announced it will expand Wi-Fi coverage across its 672-kilometre subway network.

The expansion will be delivered through a public-private partnership with Transit Wireless, the firm that currently provides Wi-Fi service at all 281 underground subway stations. Wi-Fi will also be expanded to all 191 above-ground subway and 21 Staten Island Railway stations.

“Bringing cell connectivity to the tunnels between stations and Wi-Fi to above-ground stations is a major step forward in enhancing transit riders’ experience,” said MTA Chair and CEO Janno Lieber.

“And the deal MTA has landed will also help the MTA’s bottom line – a major concern as the pandemic winds down.”

The proposed agreement will allow Transit Wireless “to generate revenue by marketing unused fibre to private customers”.

The MTA says the project will deliver over US$1 billion “in benefit” for the agency and its customers in terms of service provided, additional revenue and cost savings.

Ten-year project

Work on the project will begin immediately – but is not expected to be fully completed for another ten years.

Riders will however be able to use the new service as each section is completed.

Transit Wireless will build out the necessary infrastructure, an investment estimated to cost over US$600 million.

As the system is built out, the MTA will share in the revenues Transit Wireless receives from mobile phone providers and other commercial customers, adding to the revenue from the station agreement.

Further to this, the MTA will phase out the payments it currently makes to Transit Wireless for additional communication services such as leased fibre, real-time train arrival information and the communication system that offers immediate access to 911 assistance.

“We are proud to expand our partnership with the MTA and provide NYC’s subway riders with world-class end-to-end internet, data, and cellular communications,” said Transit Wireless CEO Melinda White. “Expansion of the riders’ connectivity through the tunnels and across the above-ground stations shows MTA’s ongoing commitment to the rider experience.”

Between the increase in revenue from the extension of the agreement with Transit Wireless and elimination of annual payments for additional communication services, the MTA says it will “see a combined advantage worth US$410 million”.

Image: Pom (Flickr)