Congressional leaders ask FCC to investigate impact of MBTA Wi-Fi project

BOSTON — CBS Boston reports that Congressional leaders in Massachusetts are asking the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) to “carefully examine” a project that would upgrade Wi-Fi service along the MBTA’s commuter rail system.

The project would mean the installation of hundreds of 74-foot poles along every mile of track. The first 110 proposed locations would be rolled out on the north side of the metro area. However, as affected communities have learned details about the project, opposition has continued to gather steam.

The proposed structures would be installed along the MBTA’s right-of-way, which is exempt from local zoning laws. As a result, the only agency that has direct oversight of the approval process is the FCC. For the full story, click here.