Trains.com

Where does cell phone service work in Subways?

2331 views
9 replies
1 rating 2 rating 3 rating 4 rating 5 rating
  • Member since
    March 2016
  • 1,568 posts
Where does cell phone service work in Subways?
Posted by CandOforprogress2 on Thursday, October 27, 2016 3:50 PM

Here this all the time- Gotta hand up I am going underground. I think Pittsburghs short subway has cell phone coverage.

  • Member since
    May 2012
  • 5,017 posts
Posted by rcdrye on Friday, October 28, 2016 3:48 PM

on "24"

  • Member since
    October 2012
  • 82 posts
Posted by JL Chicago on Saturday, October 29, 2016 4:09 PM
Chicago CTA subways have full cell phone voice and data coverage.
  • Member since
    September 2003
  • From: Laurel MD
  • 87 posts
Posted by Warren J on Sunday, October 30, 2016 8:39 AM

Washington DC's METRO offers limited cell service in its tunnels and underground stations.  Verizon offers total coverage as its predecessor, Bell Atlantic, was the only provider to wire the system during the 1980/90's; AT&T, Sprint, and T-Mobile declined to join the consortium back then.  They're now realizing that mistake and are having to play catch-up.

All underground stations now have cell phone access (speech and data) for all providers while the tunnels are in the midst of being wired, providing sketchy service until the entire system's wiring is completed.  Of course, all surface and above-ground stations always had cell access.

“Things of quality have no fear of time.”

  • Member since
    March 2016
  • 1,568 posts
Posted by CandOforprogress2 on Monday, October 31, 2016 11:49 AM

In DC Metro it has to work so that Generals on the way to the Pentagon could get there phone calls when the SHTF.

  • Member since
    May 2003
  • From: US
  • 25,292 posts
Posted by BaltACD on Monday, October 31, 2016 10:49 PM

CandOforprogress2
In DC Metro it has to work so that Generals on the way to the Pentagon could get there phone calls when the SHTF.

The news is all about Govt. officials and e-mails - I would hate to think of Pentagon Generals or Admirals directing actions from a cell phone on DC Metro - talk about an unsecure communications medium.

Never too old to have a happy childhood!

              

  • Member since
    July 2009
  • From: San Francisco East Bay
  • 1,360 posts
Posted by MikeF90 on Thursday, November 3, 2016 6:40 PM

The SF Bay Area Rapid Transit (BART) has had cell phone coverage for quite a while, not sure which carriers.

LA Metro Red/Purple Line (completed in 2000) just got Verizon coverage earlier this year, other carriers may be available 'soon'.

  • Member since
    April 2009
  • From: Staten Island NY
  • 1,734 posts
Posted by joe323 on Thursday, November 10, 2016 9:24 AM

I help write an insurance policy for a company that has a contract with NYCTA to bring call service to all subway stations

And of course the Staten Island railway has full service since it is above ground

 

Joe Staten Island West 

  • Member since
    February 2005
  • From: Southwest US
  • 12,914 posts
Posted by tomikawaTT on Thursday, December 1, 2016 6:15 PM

BaltACD

 

 
CandOforprogress2
In DC Metro it has to work so that Generals on the way to the Pentagon could get there phone calls when the SHTF.

 

The news is all about Govt. officials and e-mails - I would hate to think of Pentagon Generals or Admirals directing actions from a cell phone on DC Metro - talk about an unsecure communications medium.

How much security is required may depend on the urgency of the situation.  A detailed discussion of options had better be held in a secure room, preferably one without windows.  OTOH, if the OOD has just called General Ironjaw to tell him, "Incoming hostile ICBMs, estimated impact thirty minutes," the general won't compromise anything when he yells, "Implement Defense Plan Bravo, NOW!!!"

If you happen to overhear the latter, STAY IN THE UNDERGROUND STATION until given other instructions by competent authority.

Chuck (Ret USAF, used to work on contingency plans)

  • Member since
    October 2006
  • From: Under The Streets of Los Angeles
  • 1,150 posts
Posted by Metro Red Line on Friday, December 9, 2016 5:04 AM

Boston and Philadelphia have full cell/4G coverage on their subway systems, and it works quite good. NYC has them in certain places, but it's rather inconsistent and spotty.

Join our Community!

Our community is FREE to join. To participate you must either login or register for an account.

Search the Community

Newsletter Sign-Up

By signing up you may also receive occasional reader surveys and special offers from Trains magazine.Please view our privacy policy