MBTA inks deal for WiFi on commuter-rail lines

Under a new license agreement signed late last week, a state-of-the-art WiFi system will be installed throughout the Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority's (MBTA) 14 commuter-rail lines.

At no cost to the MBTA, inMOTION Wireless Inc. will build a $5.6 million system that will expand and improve the availability and quality of the existing WiFi service, MBTA officials said in a press release.

The new WiFi service also will be provided on MBTA commuter boats and the South, North, and Back Bay stations.

Under a 22-year license agreement, inMOTION will install, operate and maintain a private and dedicated WiFi network on all MBTA passenger coaches and ferries. MBTA customers will have free access to the Internet, as well as a live television feed. Premium WiFi service, which allows customers to stream data and video, will be available for a fee of $15 per month. The MBTA will receive 7.5 percent of net revenue received from the WiFi program, agency officials said.

"While the introduction of new locomotives and new coaches will continue to improve on-time performance rates, customer service initiatives like WiFi and eTicketing make the overall commuting experience an even better one," said MBTA General Manager Beverly Scott.