Race Is on for Cellular System for the Subway

The decision to introduce cellphone service in New York city's underground subway stations touched off a flurry of interest in the telecommunications industry yesterday, as the Metropolitan Transportation Authority began soliciting bids for a 10-year contract that will involve immense technical complexity and probably be worth $50 million to $100 million. The New York Times reports.

"...The proposal specifies that the winning bidder must allow other wireless companies access to the network. For example, if Verizon Wireless - the dominant carrier in the Northeast - prevails, it must let customers of rival companies place and receive calls in the subways.

The system will allow riders to make phone calls, check the Internet and send e-mail messages dozens of feet below the street. The contract will cover station platforms and mezzanines, pedestrian pathways between stations, and stairs, escalators and elevators. For now, service in subway tunnels is not planned.

Cellphones are used in underground subway stations in Hong Kong and Seoul, South Korea. In London, officials announced plans in March to begin an experiment with cellphone service in 2006 and to make service available in all underground stations by mid-2008."

emily | 8:23 AM | |
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