Metro-North Moves to Make GCT Wifi a Reality

I’d guess the number one commuter complaint, besides those biannual fare hikes, is the annoying hum of cellphone users on the trains. Mercifully, most phones don’t pick up a signal while in Grand Central and the Park Avenue Tunnel; it’s usually pretty quiet until the train ascends Blackberry Hill about 10 minutes after departing.

Well, that may soon change, as the MTA has hired a cellular Dream Team of carriers to make Grand Central, the platform area and the tunnel Wifi-equipped. An MTA board vote on the matter awaits.

Says the MTA:  

This network would be a huge benefit for Metro-North customers, significantly improving and expanding commercial wireless services, including access to commercial wireless services from multiple providers. Current wireless (cellular) service in GCT is limited and there is no coverage in the two-mile-long Park Avenue Tunnel.  This will be remedied under the project. 

The team of cellular carriers, which includes Verizon Wireless, Sprint Nextel, AT&T and T-Mobile, will do the installation for free–presumably getting mega-signage in front of that choice Metro-North rider demographic for its trouble. They’ll also pay the MTA a licensing fee.

The MTA board will vote on the proposal Wednesday. It was approved today by the MTA’s Railroads Committee. 

Metro-North President Howard Permut calls it a win-win for riders and the cash-strapped railroad.

“This new contract will greatly improve customer convenience through the provision of seamless wireless service for Grand Central and the Park Avenue Tunnel,” said Metro-North President Howard Permut.  “It also will greatly improve the communications capability of the MTA and emergency service providers, as well as adding spare fiber optic capacity for future growth and raise much-needed revenue for the Railroad.” 

[image: frumsatire.net]