5G Wireless Connectivity Now Live in 42 St Shuttle Tunnel

Cell Service Now Available for Customers of Major Carriers in Tunnel Between Stations

First Line to Receive Cell Service Through New Public-Private Partnership

The Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) today announced the Grand Central Times Square 42 St Shuttle is now equipped with 5G wireless connectivity. Through a public-private partnership agreement with Boldyn Network, major cell carriers including Verizon Wireless, AT&T and T-Mobile customers will now have full cell service in the tunnel between Grand Central 42 St and Times Square 42 St. The shuttle serves 12 million riders annually. The network is also designed to provide seamless connectivity for first responders. With bandwidth prioritization, the FirstNet Network will be available for the public safety community’s use. 

This is the first subway line to receive connectivity under a public-private agreement with Boldyn Network, formerly known as Transit Wireless. Boldyn Networks has deployed a high-capacity, low-latency network for all tier-1 mobile carriers to offer fully connected services to their customers. Even during peak commutes, riders will experience an enhanced connection on their mobile devices. 

Under the agreement, all 418 track miles of subway tunnel will receive cell coverage. WiFi service will also be expanded to all 191 above-ground subway stations and 21 Staten Island Railway stations. Installation of 5G infrastructure is happening in conjecture with MTA capital projects. The next tunnels to receive connectivity are: 

• While the G​ train undergoes a major signal modernization, workers have been laying cables to support the fiber optic and wireless communications system throughout the entire line. 
• Joralemon Street Tunnel. A 1.1 mile tunnel connecting the 4, 5 ​​ between Manhattan and Brooklyn
• ​​​4, 5, 6 Grand Central to as far north as 161st St. As this phase of the project develops, five track miles of the ​​​4, 5, 6  will also be upgraded with 5G mobile infrastructure.  

Boldyn Network will continue to build out the necessary infrastructure, leveraging the company’s existing infrastructure located throughout NYC. As the system is built out, the MTA will share in the revenues Boldyn Network receives from cell providers and other commercial customers, adding to the revenue from the station agreement. Overall, the project is expected to result in over $1 billion in benefit for the MTA and its customers over the life of the agreement in terms of service provided, additional revenue and cost savings.