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News Wire: MBTA halts onboard Wi-Fi plan after local opposition

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Posted by Brian Schmidt on Wednesday, July 5, 2017 11:29 AM

BOSTON – The Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority has halted a plan to improve wireless internet service on commuter rail trains in the Boston area after receiving opposition from area towns, the Associated Press reports. MBTA representa...

http://trn.trains.com/news/news-wire/2017/07/05-mbta-halts-onboard-wi-fi-plan-after-local-opposition

Brian Schmidt, Editor, Classic Trains magazine

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Posted by BaltACD on Wednesday, July 5, 2017 1:04 PM

Not to side with the NIMBY's - but one would think there are any number of existing structures along the MBTA lines that could have the necessary WiFi equipment attached to them if MBTA would negotiate with the structure owners - and problably get off cheaper than errecting 75 of there own towers.

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Posted by rdamon on Wednesday, July 5, 2017 4:53 PM

"Opponents of the plan argue the towers would disrupt historic and residential areas."

Translation: “We are not getting paid for this”
 
They could probably use the existing structures, but that would probably prohibit a third-party contractor from installing and maintaining the equipment.
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Posted by BaltACD on Thursday, July 6, 2017 8:47 AM

rdamon
"Opponents of the plan argue the towers would disrupt historic and residential areas."
Translation: “We are not getting paid for this”
 
They could probably use the existing structures, but that would probably prohibit a third-party contractor from installing and maintaining the equipment.

Installing and Maintaince would be a part of the contract.  Between existing power and telephone pole as well as governmental structures there have to be many options.

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Posted by rdamon on Thursday, July 6, 2017 10:08 AM

True ... I was thinking of MTBA owned trackside structures.

Some good info here.. Including tower drawings

http://andoverma.gov/682/MBTA-Monopoles

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