Riders on the northern section of the G train — from Court Square to Hoyt-Schermerhorn — could get 5G cell service as early as this fall, MTA officials recently announced.
G Train, East River Tunnel Set to Get 5G by End of Year
The East River tunnel that carries the 4 and 5 trains between Lower Manhattan and Brooklyn is also expected to receive internet and phone connectivity by the end of the year.
These upgrades are part of the MTA’s multiyear initiative to bring wireless access to the entire subway system. The agency has partnered with Boldyn Networks on the $600 million project, which is being funded entirely by Boldyn. In return, the company will retain any revenue generated from the network.
A Gradual Push for Citywide Connectivity
The MTA first announced the initiative in 2022, with a goal of bringing full underground cell service to all subway tunnels by 2032. But so far, only limited parts of the system are online, including the 42nd Street Shuttle and the Canarsie tunnel that serves the L train.
Jessica Mathew, the MTA’s senior vice president of capital strategy, didn’t confirm whether the project is still on track to meet that deadline. She said Boldyn is installing equipment when the MTA shuts down tracks for other planned construction work.
“Implementation is dependent on Boldyn getting track access for their buildout, which we all know is tough on our subways,” Mathew said. “So we’ve been identifying synergies with capital projects across the system.”
During last summer’s G train shutdown to install a new signal system, Boldyn’s crews began setting up 5G equipment along the northern part of the line.
Officials also said parts of the A and C lines will be upgraded next, with internet cables installed during upcoming signal system improvements.
Subway’s Digital Evolution Continues
Subway riders didn’t have any access to wireless service until 2011, when the MTA introduced Wi-Fi to six underground stations.
Since that time, coverage has expanded to all 281 underground stations. The next big step is getting the tunnels online, which is something the MTA and Boldyn say is well underway, but still years from completion.
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