Project Came at No Cost to MTA; Verizon Customers Now Able to Connect to Their Network While in Tunnel Between Brooklyn and Manhattan
The MTA today announced that work has been completed to bring cellular voice and data connections to Verizon customers on the Tunnel under the East River. The MTA worked closely with Transit Wireless, a New York based company, to launch full connectivity so that Verizon customers are now able to use their phones and other devices between 1 Av and Bedford Av on the line. This makes Verizon the second carrier in the under-river tunnel to receive cellular connectivity after AT&T was connected in September.
"We took advantage of ongoing work in the area to improve our customers’ experience, and we intend to implement this same upgrade at other tunnels throughout the system," said MTA Construction & Development President Janno Lieber. "During the pandemic, we’ve accelerated a range of construction work so customers returning to the system see improvements. We're continuing to fight for more funding from the federal government so we can maintain the aggressive effort to rehabilitate and modernize the MTA system."
“Transit Wireless is proud to expand our partnership with MTA and Verizon,” said Melinda White, Chief Executive Officer of Transit Wireless. “Enhanced wireless connectivity in the Canarsie Line Tunnel demonstrates the commitment Verizon has to its customers and MTA has to its riders.”
The new connectivity comes at no cost to the MTA, with the Authority also set to receive revenue from the service. Working with Transit Wireless, the MTA has rolled out broadband to all underground subway stations.
The MTA continues to enhance its rider experience, with a focus on innovation and smart technology. The expansion in the Tunnel provides enhanced wireless connectivity for riders and lays the foundation for future 5G services. MTA recently launched the new digital "Live Subway Map,” a first-of-its-kind guide to navigating the subway system in real time. The new map allows riders to plan trips more easily by providing information about service changes and seeing train movements as they happen.
About Transit Wireless
Transit Wireless is a leading 5G neutral host fiber infrastructure company that provides cellular and Wi-Fi connectivity to large infrastructure projects including the New York City subway system. Transit Wireless and its majority shareholder BAI Communications, finances, designs, builds, operates and maintains wireless networks to connect millions of customers each day. The Transit Wireless subway network is an award-winning public-private partnership with the Metropolitan Transportation Authority and provides service to all Tier-One wireless carriers. The network was honored with the Wireless Broadband Alliance (WBA) Award for “Best Wi-Fi Deployment to Connect the Unconnected in an Urban Environment” and the prestigious 2018 IDC “Smart Cities North America Award.” Transit Wireless is a proud supporter of the MTA and Literacy Partners annual “Subway Reads” campaign and won a 2018 Honorable Mention in the MTA’s Genius Transit Challenge. Find out more about Transit Wireless at transitwireless.com.