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AT&T, Boingo, T-Mobile agree to back wireless in 30 more New York City subway stations

As welcome as Transit Wireless' strategy for wireless in New York City subways has been, having access in just six stations around one Manhattan district has been limiting for locals who want to stay online underground. Thankfully, there's plans afoot to cover a much wider base. AT&T, Boingo and T-Mobile have offered to back a next wave of expansion that will cover 30 extra stations with cellular and WiFi access, in places we're more likely to recognize: Columbus Circle, Rockefeller Center and Times Square are all part of the rollout. While the tragedy of Hurricane Sandy has pushed back completion to early 2013, it shouldn't be too long before some of the city's most important hubs (and tourist traps) are covered -- and Transit Wireless' ambitions to eventually put wireless in all of New York City's subways could keep every borough online during the daily commute.

[Image credit: Retromoderns, Flickr]

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Transit Wireless Works with Metropolitan Transportation Authority and Wireless Providers to Enhance Wireless Telecommunications Services in New York City

Transit Wireless Expands Agreements with AT&T, T-Mobile USA and Boingo to Bring Wireless Service to Heavy Traffic Subway Stations

NEW YORK – Nov. 19, 2012 – Transit Wireless announced today that AT&T, T-Mobile USA and Boingo Wireless have expanded their agreements to provide telecommunications services to additional heavy traffic New York City subway stations, including Times Square, Columbus Circle and Rockefeller Center.

The wireless carriers have been providing service in six Metropolitan Transportation Authority subway stations in Manhattan's Chelsea neighborhood, and have agreed to be part of Transit Wireless' wider build-out into 30 additional stations with higher volumes of wireless users.

"A crisis such as Hurricane Sandy reemphasizes how vital telecommunications and mass transit are to our society and reaffirm our efforts to build much needed infrastructure throughout the New York City subway system, including Help Point Intercom units, which connect passengers to emergency and transit assistance," said William A. Bayne Jr., CEO of Transit Wireless. "We are working hand-in-hand with AT&T, T-Mobile, Boingo and the Metropolitan Transportation Authority to minimize any delays to our construction schedule in light of the massive recovery efforts under way in the city."

Wireless infrastructure is scheduled to be operational in all 30 stations by the end of the first quarter of 2013. Transit Wireless' original schedule of installation by the end of 2012 was delayed by the effects of Hurricane Sandy, which diverted resources for installation, support and MTA protection for several weeks.

Current telecommunications services at underground stations in New York City's Chelsea neighborhood, including 23rd Street 8th Avenue, 14th Street 8th Avenue and 14th Street 6th Avenue, resumed when power was restored to the stations.

As the company responsible for providing the shared wireless infrastructure that enables telecommunications services for MTA riders, Transit Wireless has plans to provide service to all underground subway stations in the city. The company is a neutral host of wireless services and welcomes all wireless carriers to sign on to provide connectivity to the 1.6 billion annual patrons of the subway system.

"T-Mobile customers riding the New York City subway want access to the same great wireless experience on their commutes that they can get everywhere else," said Tom Ellefson, Vice President, Engineering, Technology, T-Mobile USA. "T-Mobile is pleased to be part of this initiative, which allows all subway riders to stay connected with those important to them."

This announcement comes on the heels of a sponsorship deal between Microsoft and Boingo Wireless, the Wi-Fi industry's leading provider of software and services worldwide. The Wi-Fi sponsorship is part of a holiday promotion and launch celebration for Windows 8 and is immediately available for users of all Wi-Fi enabled devices in the Chelsea subway stations.