When Will the NYC Subway Have Cellphone Service?

Ride a New York City subway, and among the readers and the chatters you’ll find dozens of patrons scrambling for any semblance of phone service as though it were their lifeline. Whether they’re desperate to play the next move in a game, send an urgent email, or call someone to let them know they’re on their way, if there’s one thing New Yorkers want, it’s subway cell service. And they want it now.

Currently, most subway stops feature, at the very least, free wifi courtesy of the Transit Wireless Network. The MTA has also stated their interest in keeping up with the Jones’ — updating, upgrading, and modernizing stations to meet the growing needs of their passengers. So what will it take to get some more cellphone service around here?

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The MTA describes the evolution of its connectivity in phases. Phase 1 (which occurred in the Spring of 2013), boosted 30 underground stations in midtown with wifi capabilities. As you might expect, the public couldn’t have been more thrilled. The following year, the number of stations enjoying wireless connectivity rose to 76, and by March of last year, 2015, the MTA celebrated Phase 3: the 100th station joined. Today, the Transit Wireless network serves 146 underground stations.

In total, the MTA laid out a 7-phase program to ensure each of the 279 underground stations will have wireless and cellular access. Transit Wireless is working on this project with wireless carriers like AT&T, Sprint, T-Mobile, and Verizon Wireless. The ultimate goal is to install 4G LTE throughout New York City’s entire subway system. And the good news is, they’re making progress each year. At the moment, T-Mobile customers have access nearly everywhere in upper Manhattan and the Bronx.

So what’s next on the horizon? The continuation of the last two Phases of their plan. By 2017, Transit Wireless is hoping to make headway on Phases 6 and 7, which will expand wireless and cellular connectivity to stations throughout Brooklyn. While this is certainly the final leg of the project, it is no small feat; they have about 90 more stations to connect. Still, for what it’s worth, they arguably saved the already well-connected borough for last. After all, large swaths of Brooklyn already enjoy above-ground trains, and thus uninterrupted service. And for those still waiting to make contact from the underground, rest assured that your day is soon to come. Until then, happy reading.