The Chicago Transit Authority (CTA) in the US is now offering 4G wireless service coverage for the entire subway system on the Red and Blue lines.
The move makes Chicago the largest city in North America to have full 4G wireless coverage across its entire system of subway stations and tunnels.
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The installation of 4G communications will benefit the more than 400,000 customers using the subway, each day as well as marks the fulfilment of Chicago mayor Rahm Emanuel’s aim to bring 4G wireless coverage to the 22 miles of subway stations and tunnels on the Blue and Red Lines.
Emanuel said: "The completion of 4G wireless installation through the entire CTA subway system marks a major step forward in the service we provide Chicagoans, and is the latest step in building a world-class transit system in Chicago.
"This is a great example of the good work the Infrastructure Trust and corporate partners can do for Chicago.
"CTA customers can now easily text, email and stream anywhere, making commuting on the CTA and travelling between downtown even more convenient."
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By GlobalDataInitiated last year, the network upgrade now offers millions of Chicago subway riders a faster mobile experience throughout their journey.
It is reported that the design and installation of the system created around 50 jobs.
4G wireless coverage is currently available across 13 miles of Blue Line subway sections and nine miles of Red Line subway sections.
The $32.5m 4G wireless project was brokered by the Chicago Infrastructure Trust, with the four major wireless providers, namely T-Mobile, AT&T, Verizon and Sprint, financing the network modernisation.
Last January, the wireless providers jointly agreed to fund the design and construction of a next-generation distributed antenna system (DAS) capable of supporting the latest 4G wireless networks and mobile devices.
CTA president Dorval Carter Jr said: "4G wireless communications is just one of the cornerstones of the CTA’s commitment to investing in technology.
"This coverage increases safety by providing more reliable communications for CTA personnel and emergency responders, and it complements other technologies that are enhancing the way we commute, including expanded transit tracker information and the installation of more than 23,000 security cameras throughout our bus and rail system."
