30 NYC Subway Stations Are Getting Free Wi-Fi And Cell Service

Believe it or not: starting today, the New York Metropolitan Transit Authority is rolling out Wi-Fi and cell service to 30 stations across the city.

Previously, Wi-Fi was available at a handful of stations on the L and C/E lines, but as of today it can be found at locations like Times Square, Columbus Circle and other stops on the West Side from 18th to 96th street in the from of free, corporate-sponsored Boingo hotspots. There will also be underground cell service...but for the moment it is limited to those with AT&T or T-Mobile service. Verizon and Sprint service is on the way.

In phase two of the project, Wi-Fi and service will come to queens and midtown by 2014 with the Bronx and the East Side to follow. By 2016, the MTA says all stations will be hooked up.

Mike Beeferman is a technology nerd and consultant (for individuals and small businesses) at large in New York City and Brooklyn. He even makes house calls. http://www.thetechguynyc.com