The Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) announced on Thursday that it has successfully provided Wi-Fi service in 40 additional underground subway stations in New York City.
The Wi-Fi coverage is located in Manhattan and Queens, and the infrastructure is being installed by Transit Wireless. The connectivity in stations in Manhattan is fully operational, while the 29 stations in Queens are expected to be completed by end of the year, according to the Wall Street Journal.
"This is what is expected today," said William Wheeler, the MTA's director of special project development and planning.
Subway riders serviced by the G, M, F, R, E, 7, J and Z subway lines should be able to connect to the Wi-Fi service provided by the U.S. for major cellular carriers - Verizon, AT&T, T-Mobile and Sprint.
The project will have seven stages, and the latest is just the second phase. The first phase was completed in 18 months, and included 36 stations in Manhattan, N.Y. Daily News reported.
To date, 76 percent of underground subway stations in New York have Wi-Fi service in place. The MTA plans to add 39 stations by the second quarter of 2015. Authorities proposed to bring subways 100 percent online by 2017. Transit Wireless estimated that the project will cost a total of $300 million until completion.
"Adding and improving wireless service at more subway stations provides a much-anticipated boost to riders' experience in one of the world's busiest and oldest subway systems, while offering an added level of security," Cuomo said in the statement.
While internet connectivity is free within the subway, users will need to watch a promotional video first to connect to the Royal Caribbean-sponsored service. The project will generate revenue through these advertisements and payments from the cellular providers. Revenue will be divided equally between Transit Wireless and the MTA.
The Wi-Fi access will allow subway riders to make phone calls, send e-mails and stream videos. It will also become easier to call 911, in case of an emergency.
