NYC subways may get wired for cell phones

NEW YORK, July 30 (UPI) -- The New York Metropolitan Transit Authority has signed a contract for wireless service in its subway stations, which could extend to moving trains.

The contract gives Transit Wireless, a consortium of four companies, two years to test wireless in six stations and another four to provide service in all the underground stations in the system, the New York Daily News reported. Cell phone companies will have to make their own agreements with Transit Wireless to carry their signals.

Alex Mashinsky, chief executive of Q-Wireless, part of the consortium, said coverage will be available between some stations. He said that is most likely in Manhattan because it requires stations that are close to each other with wide tunnels like those on lines with both express and local tracks.

Gene Russianoff, head of the Straphangers Campaign, an advocacy group, said riders are likely to be split on the benefits of underground WiFi. He said some commuters undoubtedly welcome a break between home and office.