UPDATE Transit Wireless, a BAI Communications company and neutral host 5G wireless infrastructure provider, announced a network expansion partnership with the New York City Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) that will double the size of Transit Wireless’ 5G fiber network, including 418 track miles and up to 20 separate river crossings. The neutral host provider will expand its high-capacity fiber connectivity for carrier-grade 5G cellular service, small cell deployment, offload and roaming services, and network edge colocation.
The enhancement includes expansion at five base station hotels that enable 5G and future needs of mobile network operators. The network is being designed to support over 10 million users per day and allows MNOs to offer their customers enhanced data and voice service underground and throughout the entire NYC 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 for connectivity solutions ranging from network redundancy for critical business continuity to primary network hosting that is geographically robust and reliable. Transit Wireless’s total cost to build the necessary infrastructure is still being determined, even as the planning and design phases are underway.
“In addition to a 5G neutral host network, the project includes expansion of the WiFi network to all 191 above-ground subway and 21 Staten Island Railway stations,” says Fredericka Cuenca, MTA Deputy Chief Development Officer. 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,” says White. “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 says that 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, BAI Communications CEO. “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.”
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