Aug
18th
Tue
18th
Metro to Open Underground to Other Network Carriers Finally
It’s always been really annoying that only Verizon works underground in Metro. Especially since you’re usually on your way to meet someone when you’re on the subway and they always try to call or text you to confirm or change plans. (I don’t know how people lived pre-cellphone when plans had to be made hours if not days in advance.) The Metro press release explains how Verizon’s exclusive came to be:
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 maintain the current wireless network. In exchange, Verizon built a public safety radio communications system for Metro. Verizon also pays annual fees to Metro.But let’s hope what Metro describes as “large, cabinet-like enclosures that will house the hardware at the ends of station platforms or on mezzanines, in areas that will not impede the flow of customers or impact the safe operation of the Metrorail system” aren’t as ugly as they sound.
