Finally! MTA Bringing 5G to the G Train – No More Dead Zones

New York City subway riders will soon experience improved connectivity as the MTA rolls out 5G service to more lines. Riders on the northern portion of the G train, between Court Square and Hoyt-Schermerhorn, are expected to gain 5G access as early as this fall. Additionally, the East River tunnel, which carries the 4 and 5 trains connecting Lower Manhattan and Brooklyn, is also scheduled for internet and phone service by the end of the year. These upgrades are part of the MTA’s larger strategy to provide wireless access throughout the entire subway system by 2032. The project, valued at $600 million, is a partnership with Boldyn Networks, which is fully funding the initiative and will retain all revenue generated from the network. The expansion has been gradual. The initial rollouts included the 42nd Street Shuttle and the Canarsie tunnel (L train). The current pace of progress hinges on Boldyn Networks’ ability to access subway tracks during planned construction and maintenance. As Jessica Mathew, MTA’s senior vice president of capital strategy, explained, “Implementation is dependent on Boldyn getting track access for their buildout, which we all know is tough on our subways. So we’ve been identifying synergies with capital projects across the system.” During last summer’s G train shutdown for signal improvements, Boldyn’s crews began installing the necessary 5G infrastructure. Future plans include upgrades to portions of the A and C lines, coinciding with scheduled signal system enhancements. The journey to full subway connectivity began in 2011 with the introduction of Wi-Fi in six stations. This was eventually expanded to cover all 281 underground stations. Now, the focus is on bringing connectivity to the tunnels themselves, a project that the MTA and Boldyn acknowledge will take several more years to complete. This continuous improvement reflects the MTA’s commitment to modernizing the subway system and enhancing the rider experience. Learn more about upcoming MTA projects on their capital program page.