Cell Service Now Available for Customers of Major Carriers in Tunnel Between Stations
First Line to Receive Cell Service Through New Public-Private Partnership
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The Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) today announced the Grand Central Times Square 42 St Shuttle is now equipped with 5G wireless connectivity. Through a public-private partnership agreement with Boldyn Network, major cell carriers including Verizon Wireless, AT&T and T-Mobile customers will now have full cell service in the tunnel between Grand Central 42 St and Times Square 42 St. The shuttle serves 12 million riders annually. The network is also designed to provide seamless connectivity for first responders. With bandwidth prioritization, the FirstNet Network will be available for the public safety community’s use.
“MTA has now developed a reputation as a first-class construction operation, getting our projects done on time and on budget: Third Track, Train, Times Square Shuttle, all that work on time and on budget. It's not the old MTA. It's the new MTA,” said MTA Chair and CEO Janno Lieber. “What we're doing here is the most efficient way to bring cell connectivity: every time we go to do work in a tunnel, we're going to say to our friends at Boldyn, come on in. Be ready, pull that cable. Install that infrastructure. Take advantage of the outage. It's going take a few years, but we're going to make the entire system fully connected in the most efficient way possible, which is during other construction outages.”
“This is a public private partnership, and the capital investment is being made by our private partner. We had an estimate prepared when we finalized our deal on this, that they would be investing $600 million in it, and there's a $1 billion total estimated benefit for the riders of the New York City transit system,” said Jamie Torres-Springer President MTA Construction & Development. “There is no cost to the MTA, there is no public money, and we're excited about that. It's a great way to make improvements in the system.”
“Adding 5G wireless connectivity to the 42nd Street Shuttle is a significant step in the MTA’s path to modernize one of the oldest, busiest, and most admired subway systems in the world,” said Julie Samuels, President and CEO of Tech:NYC. “This upgrade is a great example of New York government working with private partners to improve our critical infrastructure, and we should build on this collaboration to solve more challenges across our city. One of the reasons the tech workforce loves New York City is our excellent public transit system, and it's crucial that we continue to make investments that keep New Yorkers and New York businesses moving.”
"Our partnerships with the MTA, Verizon, AT&T, and T-Mobile underscore Boldyn's long-term commitment to implementing technology in New York City for the better,” said Christos Karmis, US CEO of Boldyn Networks. “This is just the beginning because together, we are modernizing the vital systems that are necessary for how a city moves and communicates in today’s modern world.”
“AT&T is proud to collaborate with Boldyn Networks and the MTA on this transformative project for New York's subway riders,” AT&T Atlantic Region President said John Emra. “Offering wireless connectivity on the Shuttle Line tunnel is a significant step towards our goal of seamless, city-wide connectivity. This initiative not only improves the daily commute for millions but also marks a key achievement in our ongoing efforts to connect communities and empower New Yorkers with reliable, high-speed connectivity."
“T-Mobile is dedicated to connecting people in the places they live, work and play with the best possible wireless experience,” said Vice President, Field Engineering for T-Mobile Northeast Region Luis Reyes. “Working with Boldyn and MTA has enabled us to do exactly that, forever enhancing the commutes for millions of riders every year.”
"This is an exciting moment for Verizon as we make seamless wireless connectivity possible along one of the busiest subway lines in New York City,” said Verizon Executive Director of Wireless Network Engineering and Operations for NY, John Gallup. “Our goal is to keep New Yorkers connected wherever they are, and this expansion is another testament to that commitment."
This is the first subway line to receive connectivity under a public-private agreement with Boldyn Network, formerly known as Transit Wireless. Boldyn Networks has deployed a high-capacity, low-latency network for all tier-1 mobile carriers to offer fully connected services to their customers. Even during peak commutes, riders will experience an enhanced connection on their mobile devices.
Under the agreement, all 418 track miles of subway tunnel will receive cell coverage. WiFi service will also be expanded to all 191 above-ground subway stations and 21 Staten Island Railway stations. Installation of 5G infrastructure is happening in conjecture with MTA capital projects. The next tunnels to receive connectivity are:
- While the train undergoes a major signal modernization, workers have been laying cables to support the fiber optic and wireless communications system throughout the entire line.
- Joralemon Street Tunnel. A 1.1 mile tunnel connecting the between Manhattan and Brooklyn
- Grand Central to as far north as 161st St. As this phase of the project develops, five track miles of the will also be upgraded with 5G mobile infrastructure.
Boldyn Network will continue to build out the necessary infrastructure, leveraging the company’s existing infrastructure located throughout NYC. As the system is built out, the MTA will share in the revenues Boldyn Network receives from cell providers and other commercial customers, adding to the revenue from the station agreement. Overall, the project is expected to result in over $1 billion in benefit for the MTA and its customers over the life of the agreement in terms of service provided, additional revenue and cost savings.