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Cellular and WiFi Service Will Extend Through Subway Tunnels, Report Says

By DNAinfo Staff on July 30, 2010 11:35am

Service won't cut out in between stations.
Service won't cut out in between stations.
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Flickr/Heath Braden

By Nina Mandell

DNAinfo Reporter/Producer

MANHATTAN — New technology coming to Manhattan subways may mean never having to say goodbye.

After confirming a stalled plan to provide Wi-Fi and cellular subway stations was back on track on Monday, one executive involved in the project told the New York Daily News that service won't stop at the subway platform.

According to Alex Mashinsky, the CEO of Q-Wireless, coverage will extend through subway tunnels, the News said.

Mashinsky told the News that cell service would be strong in wider tunnels with express and local tracks, like the 4-5-6 and 1-2-3 lines.

The MTA first awarded a contract to get the technology underground in 2007, but the project has faced numerous delays. Now Transit Wireless has up to two years to outfit six stations to test the technology, the News said.

To use their phones underground, riders have to have cell phone service from companies that pay Transit Wireless to carry signals.