MTA expands universal wifi access in NYC subways

The network would be designed to serve more than 10 million users per day and will enable mobile network carriers to offer improved internet and voice service underground to their customers.

The Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) and Transit Wireless have announced a network extension collaboration to improve wireless connectivity in the New York City Subway.

The system-wide extension would double the size of Transit Wireless’ 5G fiber network, which now consists of 418 track miles and up to 20 distinct river crossings.

Edge network colocation

The neutral host provider will install its high-capacity fiber connectivity for 5G cellular service, small cell deployment, offload and roaming services, and network edge colocation.

Transit Wireless provides reports The network will be designed to serve more than 10 million users per day and will enable mobile network carriers to provide better data and voice service underneath and throughout the entire New York City subway system.

“Our partnership with the MTA will result in a significant network extension of fibre route, diversity, and overall capacity,” said Melinda White, CEO Transit Wireless.

“The project will deliver seamless reach for all major cellular carriers to provide riders with enhanced coverage underground and throughout their journey across the New York City subway system. We will also deliver a carrier-grade network for private enterprises.”

The network is extended to include private firms, universities, hospitals, and commercial buildings by means of the enlarged fiber infrastructure. A portion of the network is already accessible. It can enable connection solutions ranging from network redundancy for vital business continuity to geographically resilient and dependable primary network hosting.

The planning and design phases of Transit Wireless’ network investment to develop the required infrastructure are currently underway.

“In addition to a 5G neutral host network, the project includes expansion of the wifi network to all 191 above-ground subway and 21 Staten Island Railway stations,” added Fredericka Cuenca, deputy chief development officer at the MTA.

“The project will deliver seamless reach for all major cellular carriers to provide riders with enhanced coverage underground and throughout their journey across the New York City subway system”

In regions where the connectivity infrastructure requires an upgrade, specialized communications networks will be constructed as part of this project. Transit Wireless claims that by introducing high-speed access to underserved subway lines and platforms, the system’s digital service delivery disparities will be mitigated.

The network is currently accessible at all 281 underground subway stations at no charge.

Transit Wireless is a subsidiary of BAI Communications and a provider of 5G neutral host infrastructure, including fibre solutions, analytics, and cellular and wifi connection for major projects and venues with a high density of users.

BAI Communications has acquired ZenFi Networks, bringing more than 1,100 fiber route miles across the Tri-State area, as well as the right to offer mobile infrastructure support for 4,000 LinkNYC kiosk structures in New York City.

Source: Smart Cities World

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