NYC Must Be Heard (even underground)!!!
A new era in mobile communication is about to unfold in New York City. Starting this Tuesday, AT&T and T-Mobile subscribers will be able to use their cellphones at six underground stations across Manhattan.
The New York stations where the service will be available are on 14th Street from 6th Avenue to 8th Avenue, and on 23rd Street and 8th Avenue.
The signals will cover the platforms and mezzanines of the stations, but extend only a short distance into tunnels. Cellular data services and text messaging will work in addition to calls.
The company that’s doing the wiring, Transit Wireless, has another five years to set up service at the other 271 stations in the system. That means it needs to wire about one new station per week.
Transit Wireless is expected to spend about $200 million on the project, and has promised the Metropolitan Transit Authority another $46 million in rent over 10 years. Transit Wireless will in turn charge wireless carriers for extending their signals underground.
There is no timeline set for Sprint and Verizon subscribers being able to take their conversations underground.
Good idea? Bad idea? No idea.
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