Boingo Wireless has announced the activation of 5G and Wi-Fi 6 at Grand Central Madison, a key development in the Metropolitan Transportation Authority’s (MTA) extensive modernization efforts for the Long Island Rail road (LIRR). This advancement not only marks a historic upgrade for the LIRR service but also ensures fast and reliable wireless connectivity for millions of commuters. Boingo's cutting-edge network incorporates 5G, LTE, and Wi-Fi 6 technologies, delivering extensive mobile coverage for all Tier One carriers within the station and throughout LIRR tunnels connecting Queens.
Located on the west side of the historic Grand Central Terminal, under Vanderbilt Avenue, the Boingo network at Grand Central Madison supports MTA’s TrainTime App and ensures riders have 24/7 access to stream content, send emails, make calls and utilize the full functionality of their mobile device while at the station and traveling through miles of LIRR tunnels. AT&T, T-Mobile and Verizon customers can stay connected on platforms and in tunnels during their journey. Boingo’s wireless infrastructure is designed to securely connect MTA operations, including fare collection, maintenance monitoring, train tracking, safety management and more.
The LIRR extension, through Queens to Grand Central Madison, features Boingo connectivity along 10 miles of tunnels, including two tunnels under the East River. The entire Grand Central Madison network encompasses three million square feet, with Boingo deploying more than 100 miles of cable and hundreds of wireless access points across the terminal, platforms and tunnels to bring next generation connectivity to New Yorkers and MTA operations.
“Grand Central Madison is a masterpiece of engineering that showcases the importance of public/private partnerships to deliver a reimagined public transit experience with best-in-class 5G and Wi-Fi networks,” said Boingo CEO Mike Finley. “Navigating the complex landscape of tunnels located under the East River and platforms located 18 stories below street level required innovative engineering, strategic planning and a deep understanding of the unique telecom challenges posed by high-traffic locations. Our team excels at these complex obstacles, demonstrating excellence in launching the Grand Central Madison networks and setting the standard for what’s achievable in connecting large, major transportation hubs.”
As a partner to New York’s airports, transit hubs, military bases and commercial real estate properties, Boingo manages multi-carrier cellular networks and is an expert at designing, building and managing wireless technologies, including 5G, Wi-Fi 6 and private networks.
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