[Scan-DC] Wireless service expanding in Metro system

[Alan Henney]

-----Original Message-----
From: Lisa Farbstein
Sent: Friday, February 27, 2009 2:51 PM
Subject: News from Metro: Wireless service expanding in Metro system

Metrorail wireless service to expand: Internet access, expanded cell
phone use coming

Metro riders will be able to call home from any cell phone, access the
Internet from any Web-enabled cell phone and eventually have Wi-Fi
access in the rail system, under an agreement approved Thursday, Feb.
26, by Metro’s Board.

Four major cell phone companies -- Verizon Wireless, Sprint Nextel,
AT&T and T-Mobile -- will build a new wireless infrastructure in the
underground rail system during the next four years.

“We are looking forward to offering Metro riders the first elements of
Metro’s expanded cell phone carrier service this year.  Metro will get
two new comprehensive wireless networks for free, and we will receive
millions of dollars in new revenue,” said Suzanne Peck, Metro’s
Assistant General Manager for Information Technology.

The companies will design, build, operate, maintain and own a wireless
network.  The firms will also build a second wireless network, which
Metro will own, operate and maintain for Metro’s own operational and
public safety communications.  Twenty of the busiest underground rail
stations will have expanded cell phone service by the end of this year
and the entire rail system will be equipped by 2012.

Riders can now receive cell phone service from multiple providers at
above ground stations, but the current underground wireless network
only supports Verizon customers and Sprint phones that roam onto the
Verizon network. In 1993, Metro agreed to allow Bell Atlantic Mobile
Systems, which later became Verizon Wireless, to build and own the
current wireless network. In exchange, Verizon built a public safety
radio communications system for Metro.  Verizon also has been paying
annual fees to Metro.  Transit agency officials say the wireless
network doesn’t support all carriers and current broadband services,
such as streaming video.

“Once we get a new wireless system completely installed, Metro and our
riders will have access to enhanced cellular service and fewer dropped
calls underground,” said Metro General Manager John Catoe.  “Metro’s
second wireless network will support our next generation of public
safety and other operational wireless needs, such as The Metro
Channel.”  The Metro Channel will provide riders with rail and bus
service information, news and advertising via monitors in stations,
trains and buses.

The wireless contract will generate a minimum of nearly $25 million
during the initial 15-year term and an additional $27 million during
the five, two-year renewal terms.  Other FCC licensed and unlicensed
carriers can gain access to the networks either through entering into
agreements with Metro or the group of carriers, all of which will
produce additional revenue for the transit agency.


Lisa Farbstein
Director of Public Relations, 2G-08
Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority
600 Fifth Street, NW
Washington, DC 20001