Boingo Wireless Launches High-Speed 5G and Wi-Fi 6 Connectivity at New York’s Grand Central Madison

December 04, 2023 at 09:00 AM EST

Cutting-edge converged wireless network enables mobile connectivity for riders and supports digital operations at major New York transit hub

Boingo Wireless announced that 5G and Wi-Fi 6 are live at the Metropolitan Transportation Authority’s (MTA) Grand Central Madison, providing fast, reliable wireless connectivity for millions of riders. Grand Central Madison is the most transformative modernization of the Long Island Rail Road (LIRR) service in over a century, bringing LIRR riders directly to Manhattan’s east side for the first time. Boingo’s network features next generation 5G, LTE and Wi-Fi 6 technologies to provide extensive mobile coverage for all Tier One carriers at the station and throughout LIRR tunnels to and from Queens.

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Neutral, converged Boingo Wireless network enables mobile connectivity for riders and supports digital operations at Grand Central Madison. Photo: Metropolitan Transportation Authority (Photo: Business Wire)

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.

About Boingo Wireless

Boingo Wireless, Inc. simplifies complex wireless challenges to connect people, business and things. We design, build and manage converged, neutral host public and private networks at major venues around the world. Boingo’s vast footprint of distributed antenna systems (DAS), Wi-Fi, small cells and macro towers securely powers innovation and connectivity in airports, transit stations, stadiums, military bases, hospitals, commercial properties and enterprises worldwide. Learn more at boingo.com.