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Transit Wireless officially launches underground Verizon service

by Benjamin Kabak

Astute straphangers with Verizon cell service may have noticed an underground signal in around 35 stations over the past few months. I first noticed the bars popping up in Times Square two or three months ago after Transit Wireless announced an August agreement with Verizon. This week, the service became officially official as Transit Wireless announced Verizon service in 35 underground subway stations throughout Manhattan.

Verizon’s voice and 3G and 4G LTE service are available at the 40 Phase 1 stations announced last April, and Transit Wireless has brought Verizon service to five stations that will be part of the upcoming Phase 2 rollout as well. These five stations — which are really three station complexes — include all of Herald Square, both the IND and IRT platforms at Bryant Park, and 28th St. on the 6.

A Transit Wireless spokesman should be issuing additional news within the next few weeks, and based upon their CEO’s statement this week, I can only assume it’ll focus on Phase 2 of the multi-tiered rollout of underground cell service. “The build-out of the Transit Wireless network continues to progress on schedule, as we add additional carriers like Verizon Wireless and begin work on Phase Two of the project to bring service to 40 additional stations, including Grand Central Station in Manhattan, as well as all underground stations throughout Queens,” William A. Bayne Jr., CEO of Transit Wireless said. “Our network not only provides an important security improvement to riders, but also serves as the backbone for future innovations throughout the subway system.”

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3 comments

Bill Reese January 30, 2014 - 4:57 pm

I’ve noticed I’ve had signal on the northernmost Manhattan E/M stations. Was texting with a friend of mine while I was late to a Rangers game a few weeks back.

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Quinn January 30, 2014 - 10:31 pm

I’ve noticed Transit Wireless Boxes at Elmhurst Avenue, now for them to be turned on.

Reply
Mike January 31, 2014 - 9:24 am

This is inaccurate. Verizon still doesn’t work at the first five stations from Phase 1 (14/8, 23/8, 14/7, 14/6, including L stations).

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