CTA completes 4G wireless installation on subways

Chicago's entire subway system on the Red and Blue lines now has 4G wireless coverage, which completes a network upgrade project that began early this year, the Chicago Transit Authority (CTA) announced yesterday.

As a result, Chicago is now the largest North American city to have 4G coverage across its whole system of subway stations and tunnels, CTA officials said in a press release.

The upgrade is aimed at providing subway riders with a faster mobile experience throughout their commutes, allowing them to text, email and stream content more easily.

The Chicago Infrastructure Trust previously brokered a $32.5 million agreement with T-Mobile, AT&T, Verizon and Sprint to finance the network modernization. In January 2015, the four wireless carriers agreed to fund the design and construction of a next-generation distributed antenna system capable of supporting the latest 4G wireless networks and devices, CTA officials said.

"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," said CTA President Dorval Carter Jr.