[NationalHarbor] Fwd: Metro, AT&T, T-Mobile and Verizon announce wireless service in rail tunnels systemwide

[Amber Woods]

>From member Vanessa Cole of National Harbor Chapter
---------- Forwarded message ---------
From: Vanessa <colesve at comcast.net>
Date: Fri, Jan 29, 2021 at 7:16 AM
Subject: Metro, AT&T, T-Mobile and Verizon announce wireless service in
rail tunnels systemwide
To: <colesve at comcast.net>
Cc: <colesve at comcast.net>


Good Morning ALCON,

Below is the article and link for news clips:  Metro, AT&T, T-Mobile and
Verizon announce wireless service in rail tunnels systemwide





https://www.wmata.com/about/news/Metro-announces-wireless-service-in-rail-tunnels-systemwide.cfm




For immediate release: January 27, 2021
Metro, AT&T, T-Mobile and Verizon announce wireless service in rail tunnels
systemwide

Transit riders and visitors to the nation’s capital now enjoy one of the
most connected wireless experiences of any rail system in the U.S. with
coverage available in all tunnels. The nation's major wireless
carriers—AT&T, T-Mobile, and Verizon —and Metro today officially announced
the final milestone, more than a decade in the making, to provide wireless
service for those who use the Metrorail system. With Metro's 100-mile
tunnel network now connected to each wireless carrier’s network, customers
can communicate or stream content throughout their journey from the street
to the station and in the train.

The latest activation brings the final three segments online between Dupont
Circle in Downtown DC and White Flint in Maryland, the Yellow Line from
L'Enfant Plaza to the Pentagon, and Silver Line in Tysons Corner.

Metro and the wireless carriers worked closely with the region’s
Congressional delegation on the project, including U.S. Senator Mark Warner
(D-VA).

“This is something we’ve been working with Metro and the carriers on for
years, because it will improve safety for Metro riders and workers,” said
Senator Warner, “The federal government and the region have made
substantial investments in making this system safer and more reliable, from
rebuilding tracks to introducing new rail cars, and now passengers will be
able to use their cellphones underground throughout the system.”

Completion of the underground portion of the Metrorail system adds to the
customer experience that already included wireless service in all below
ground stations and free Wi-Fi at all 91 stations.

“Bringing this project to the finish line gives riders added security and
all the conveniences of wireless connectivity. Customers can text, talk,
and explore the internet and apps, including Metro’s mobile payment options
to load value and manage their SmarTrip account while traveling on Metro,”
said Metro General Manager/CEO Paul J. Wiedefeld. “We appreciate the work
of the carrier team, the leadership of our Congressional delegation, and
the support of state and local partners throughout this project. A robust
wireless network will enable new technologies to improve real-time customer
communications and operate more efficiently.”

The latest coverage additions will add to safety and security by improving
mobile communication for customers, Metro employees and first responders in
the event of an emergency.

The installation required more than 400 miles of cabling and infrastructure
in Metro’s extensive tunnel system and additional components in shafts,
stations, and above-ground connections. Much of the work could only occur
when train service was not operating during three-to-four-hour overnight
maintenance windows or during other scheduled track maintenance outages.

"This significant joint investment provides a communications network that
allows each provider’s customers to stay connected with
their friends, families and favorite content when using the Metro system.
The cooperative approach adopted by the Providers and WMATA was critical in
bringing this project to fruition,” said AT&T, T-Mobile and Verizon in a
joint statement.

The project, initiated by the Congressional Passenger Rail Investment and
Improvement Act, was jointly funded by an agreement between Metro and the
wireless carriers and addresses recommendations by the Metropolitan
Washington Council of Governments on Metro’s Underground Communications
Systems.

Day-to-day operation and maintenance of the carrier’s communications system
will be performed by the wireless carriers who will also regularly test and
enhance the network to provide an optimal wireless experience for their
respective customers.







Sincerely,
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