Quantcast
Use your cell phone on the T! – Metro US

Use your cell phone on the T!

Boston isn’t far behind New York City in offering underground cell phone services to more transit riders.

According to an MBTA spokesman, InSite Wireless, the contractor slated to let T-goers gab while beneath the streets, is on schedule to complete underground cell tower installations for Blue and Green Line trains by the end of this year.

That means riders are only four months from being able to call their friends if a Green Line train breaks down in a tunnel.

PDAs and smartphone Web surfing will also be easily accessible.

According to the company’s website, InSite’s “DAS” technology “provides continuous service in stations and trains, allowing riders whose service providers connect to the antenna system to text, make phone calls, check e-mail and surf the Web.”

After InSite installs the necessary infrastructure, coverage carriers can sign up to get on the system, said an MBTA official.

In March of last year, then-MBTA General Manager Rich Davey introduced similar services on the Orange Line, providing cell accessibility along the entire underground corridor.

The mandate focused on improving safety and customer service.

Follow Steve Annear on Twitter @steveannear.