MTA readies subway wireless/data service debut
Written by William C. Vantuono, Editor-in-ChiefNew York’s Metropolitan Transportation Authority officially announced Monday it will demonstrate on Tuesday its “first-ever wireless voice and data service from an underground New York City subway station.”
MTA officials will be joined by from Transit Wireless, AT&T, and T-Mobile, which will show how subway customers with AT&T or T-Mobile service can make cell phone calls and send and receive tweets and other wireless data, including video images. AT&T and T-Mobile staff will lend media and the general public devices to test the system and even file reports, including video, wirelessly.
Under license agreement with the MTA, Transit Wireless has installed wireless voice and data communication capability for AT&T and T-Mobile customers in the six stations as part of an initial pilot program, 10 months ahead of schedule. The system’s E911 capability also will lead to increased safety. Other cell phone carriers are expected to participate soon, MTA said.
