AT&T and Transit Wireless are on track to deploy wireless voice and data service to 242 more New York City subway stations as the two telecoms embark on Phase 2 of a contract with the Metropolitan Transit Authority and expect to have the network completed this summer.
"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 said in an announcement Wednesday. "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."
Phase 1 involve AT&T service being deployed in 30 stations in mid-town Manhattan and six in Chelsea.
The news comes as smartphones and wireless computing use continues to increase and consumers expect wireless connectivity everywhere and anywhere. This past January Verizon was the last of the four major carriers to make a deal with Transit Wireless and service was deployed in 35 subway stations.
AT&T is now installing equipment in Transit Wireless' Base Station Hotel facilities to bring 3G and 4G LTE service for 40 stations (11 stations in mid-town Manhattan, including Grand Central Terminal, 34th St. Herald Square and Bryant Park) and 29 underground stations in Queens.
"New Yorkers want to be connected to the things that matter to them most. That's why AT&T was one of the first providers to offer our customers access to wireless connectivity in the New York subway system," said Thomas DeVito, AT&T VP and general manager. "This network extension will allow AT&T to continue to deliver a best in class voice and 4G LTE data experience for our customers underground beyond the 36 stations where it is available today."
The wireless providers said the additional wireless service will provide millions of users access to 911 in an emergency while on the subway and station platforms. For a list of stations that currently have the wireless service click here.
