New York subways may run 24 hours, but the service stands upon an aging infrastructure. The New York Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) and Transit Wireless plan on changing that by introducing wireless service to 30 more subway stations Thursday.
A press invite sent out states that the coverage expansion is "a significant milestone in the five-year project to build a state-of-the-art wireless network in New York City's underground subway stations."
Some reports are stating that the coverage is already in effect, and that commuters are able to connect to their networks on their mobile devices.
This brings the total number of subway stations in New York with wireless service to 36. The first six were connected back in 2011.
Commuters between 18th street and 96th street on the west side of Manhattan should be able to access their wireless networks, granted they are on AT&T or T-Mobile or Transit Wireless. This includes major hubs such as Times Square and Columbus Circle. It's still unclear whether the CDMA-based Verizon Wireless or Sprint will hop on.
The ambitious undertaking by the MTA aims to introduce wireless coverage to the remaining 241 New York subway stations by 2016. Queens and Midtown Manhattan are the next target areas, followed by East Side Manhattan and the Bronx.
"Bringing wireless service into our subway system is the latest milestone in the MTA's effort to use technology to improve the service we provide for our customers," MTA Chairman and CEO Jay H. Walder said in a 2011 press release.
"Whether you're checking your email, calling your kids or looking for emergency assistance, wireless service will bring the conveniences we're used to throughout our lives into the subway system."
Let us know if you've had a chance to experience wireless cover underground in New York City, and how your experience on the network was.