Transit Wireless is expanding its partnership with the Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) that will double the size of its 5G fiber network to include418 track miles and up to 20 separate river crossings.
The neutral host provider will expand its high-capacity fiber connectivity designed and built for carrier-grade 5G cellular service, small cell deployment, offload and roaming services and network edge colocation.
This network will be designed to support more than 10 million users per day and allow mobile network operators to offer their customers enhanced data and voice service underground and throughout the entire New York City subway.
“Our partnership with the MTA will result in a significant network extension of fiber route, diversity and overall capacity,” says Transit Wireless CEO Melinda White. “The project will deliver seamless reach for all major cellular carriers to provide riders with enhanced coverage underground and throughout their journey across the New York City subway system. We will also deliver a carrier-grade network for private enterprises.”
The expanded fiber system extends the network to private businesses, universities, hospitals and commercial properties. Access to part of the network is already available. It can support connectivity solutions, ranging from network redundancy for critical business continuity to primary network hosting that is geographically robust and reliable.
The network investment by Transit Wireless to build the necessary infrastructure is in process, with the planning and design phases already underway.
“In addition to a 5G neutral host network, the project includes expansion of the Wi-Fi network to all 191 above-ground subway and 21 Staten Island Railway stations,” says Fredericka Cuenca, deputy chief development officer at the MTA.
The network (TransitWirelessWiFi) is free to the public and is currently available at all 281 underground subway stations.
“As part of this project, areas where the connectivity infrastructure needs an upgrade, we will see new, dedicated communications networks,” White said. “By bringing high-speed connectivity to underserviced subway lines and platforms, we are able to further address the inequities of digital service delivery throughout the system.”
The company explained the communications expansion within the New York City subway system will become one of the most advanced and extensive projects of its kind in North America and builds upon the existing connected infrastructure capabilities for the BAI Communications company.
“This project is a landmark achievement for us, and we are honored to invest in New York’s future as we advance the company’s vision to become a leading provider of connected 5G infrastructure across North America and globally,” says Igor Leprince, CEO of BAI Communications. “From the subway to above ground, the expanded network will further the reach of our current solutions, delivering an enhanced experience at all points of a user’s journey.”
