(STAMFORD, CT) – Governor Ned Lamont, Connecticut Transportation Commissioner Garrett Eucalitto, and AT&T Atlantic Region President John Emra today held a news conference at the Stamford Transportation Center to highlight recent work on an infrastructure project through a public-private partnership that is significantly improving wireless internet service for rail commuters on the Metro-North New Haven Line.
Supported by a $6 million investment from AT&T, upgraded infrastructure has been installed and is now fully operational at more than 30 new sites located at strategic intervals along the corridor between New Haven and Connecticut’s western border. This includes a combination of high-powered macro towers and compact small cell nodes, which are significantly boosting AT&T’s network and delivering faster, more reliable LTE and 5G service. An additional five new sites are expected to launch later this year.
This project stems from Governor Lamont’s broader initiative to improve cellular connectivity and accelerate the deployment of high-speed technology along Connecticut’s rail corridors by setting up a process through public-private partnerships to install this infrastructure on state properties. AT&T engineers collaborated with state and private entities to design a layout and build strategy that maximizes coverage while also minimizing safety risks and disruptions to rail service.
The New Haven Line is the busiest commuter rail line in the United States.
“Expanding the availability of high-speed networks is critical if we want to be ahead of the curve on technology that makes our state even more attractive to workers and employers, and that includes along our rail corridors, which up until recently contained many dead zones where cellular service would frequently drop,” Governor Lamont said. “By partnering with telecommunications companies and allowing them to install their equipment on state properties, we can expand high-speed service to more areas and do so in a cost-effective manner. I appreciate AT&T for collaborating with us on this initiative.”
“Through customer service outreach, we have heard directly from riders that enhanced wireless connectivity is one of the most requested upgrades, and this initiative delivers on exactly that,” Commissioner Eucalitto said. “We know from national trends that better onboard service, including reliable wireless service, boosts ridership, and we’re aiming to replicate that success here in Connecticut.”
“AT&T’s network enhancements along the New Haven Line greatly benefit commuters, residents, and visitors traversing the state,” Emra said. “Dramatically improved coverage and capacity makes for more productive and enjoyable train experiences and further help make our state a leader in wireless technology. This project became a reality because Governor Lamont and his team identified a need and spurred industry to action. We’re grateful to be part of this ongoing effort to create a modern, connected and cutting-edge Connecticut.”
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The enhancements at several of the new sites also support FirstNet, a nationwide communications platform dedicated to first responders and others in the public safety community. This includes the deployment of Band 14 spectrum, which provides prioritized connectivity for emergency services.
Advocates from Connecticut’s business community are applauding the enhancements, noting the benefit this enhanced service is providing to workers on their commutes.
“AT&T’s $6 million investment along the New Haven Line and collaboration with Governor Lamont’s office is the kind of strategic economic development that will make Connecticut a technology leader,” Chris DiPentima, president and CEO of the Connecticut Business and Industry Association (CBIA), said. “Better wireless service means more productivity for commuters. A more enjoyable riding experience overall increases the line’s appeal and the opportunity for economic growth from New Haven to the New York border.”
For information on Metro-North Railroad service, visit www.mta.info/agency/metro-north-railroad.