When Wired City reported Sprint’s deal with Transit Wireless to wire subways, it was only a matter of time before Verizon Wireless, the last major carrier without a deal, would join the fray.
And now it has. In an Aug. 20 press release, Transit Wireless announced that it has finalized an agreement with Verizon Wireless to bring 3G and 4G LTE wireless voice and data service to Transit Wireless’ New York City subway system.
“Verizon will begin to install their equipment in Transit Wireless’s secure Base Station Hotel facilities over the next several weeks, and Verizon Wireless customers can expect to start receiving service in the 36 stations already online in Midtown Manhattan and Chelsea later this year,” the press release explained.
While Verizon is considered by many to provide the best voice and data service in the city, it is the last of the four major carriers to provide subway service.
“We are extremely pleased to gain Verizon’s participation in our wireless network in the New York City subway system, facilitating high-quality voice and data services in the underground,” William A. Bayne Jr., CEO of Transit Wireless, said.
“We have now secured partnerships with all four major wireless carriers to bring the vast majority of New Yorkers, visitors, government agency personnel, transit employees, contractors and first responders the ability to be connected in the stations we’ve constructed—a real milestone,” Mr. Bayne added.
Verizon Wireless customers will have phone service in the 36 previously wired stations, and, with Transit Wireless plans to add 40 more stations, that number will significantly increase.
“The company will next participate in phase two of the project, which comprises 40 new stations, including Grand Central Station, 34th Street-Herald Square and Bryant Park in Midtown Manhattan and stations throughout the Borough of Queens,” Transit Wireless explained.
Phase two is expected to be complete in early 2014.
