CHICAGO (STNG) -- T-Mobile cell phone users will soon join customers with four other cellular carriers in chatting away in the CTA subway system.
The Chicago Transit Board on Wednesday approved a contract with T-Mobile Central to lease the CTA’s wireless communications infrastructure in the Red and Blue line subways. The contract is expected to generate a minimum of $3.1 million in new revenues for the CTA during the 10-year contract, according to a release from the CTA.
The installation and successful testing of T-Mobile's base equipment -- comprised of amplifiers, transmitters and receivers -- in the subways will take place over the next several months, with service expected to be activated later this year, the release said.
In June, the board approved a similar contract with AT&T, whose services also are to be available later this year. Customers with Cricket Communications, Verizon Wireless and U.S. Cellular are now able to use cell phones and mobile devices in subways.
Revenue from the wireless service providers currently leasing the subway network is expected to total a minimum of $15 million over the life of the contracts.
The CTA completed the installation of technology to enhance its existing two-way radio system and improve subway communications options in 2005. The improved telecommunications system also laid the groundwork for the agency to open the subways to cell phones throughout the 11.4 miles of subway.
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