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The Chicago Transit Authority (CTA) recently approved a 10-year contract with Sprint Solutions Inc. to provide Sprint/Nextel service in the subway system. CTA expects to receive about $3.1 million over the life of the contract.

During the next several months, the agency will install and test Sprint’s base equipment in the subway. Service is expected to be available in early 2011.

Sprint/Nextel will become the sixth wireless service provider to lease the use of CTA’s subway communications infrastructure. In 2005, the agency installed technology along the Red and Blue subway lines to improve its existing two-way radio system, as well as subway communication options for CTA, and the Chicago Police and Fire departments.

The improved telecommunications system also enabled the agency to lease its wireless infrastructure for commercial service so passengers can use wireless devices throughout the 11.4-mile subway system. AT&T, Verizon Wireless, U.S. Cellular, T-Mobile and Cricket currently offer wireless services for CTA’s subway system.