A subway commute is the best time to browse Facebook, post "bored" selfies and read through email to kill some time. And thanks to the MTA and Transit Wireless, this could all be possible.
New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo announced on Thursday that wireless service was added to 40 more subway stations in Manhattan and Queens.
AT&T, T-Mobile, Verizon and Sprint users will now be able to connect to Wi-Fi in 11 stations in Manhattan and 29 stations in Queens. These stations include: Jackson Heights/Roosevelt Avenue Station, Jamaica Center Station, Court Square Station, 42 Street Bryant Park Station, 34 Street Herald Square Station and Grand Central 42 Street Station.
"Adding and improving wireless service at more subway stations provides a much-anticipated boost to riders' experience in one of the world's busiest and oldest subway systems, while offering an added level of security," said Cuomo.
According to a press release, the project will "[connect] a total 47 million riders monthly." The city has completed phase two of its Wi-Fi service expansion, brining the total number of stations that are connected to the Internet to 76. The city aims to add Wi-Fi to a total of 277 subway stations by 2017.
"Whether you're checking your email, calling your kids or looking for emergency assistance, wireless service will bring the conveniences we're used to above ground into the subway system," MTA Chairman Thomas Prendergast said.
The project, with a total of seven phases, will now enter its third phase, which has a goal of connecting 39 more stations to the Internet by spring 2015.
Those stations include: the 7 train's Flushing Main Street Station in Queens, as well as stations in Lower Manhattan, West Harlem and Washington Heights.
"I look forward to bringing stations in the Bronx and Brooklyn online in the near future," said New York City Transit President Carmen Bianco.
Sponsored by Royal Caribbean, commuters can select the SSID Transit Wireless Wi-Fi on their smartphones. A short Royal Caribbean International video pops up before enabling access to the service.
"A more stable network below ground ensures that riders and first responders can seamlessly communicate in events of emergency, which is essential in a system that carries millions of passengers every day," Cuomo said.
