The New York Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) and Transit Wireless launched the Phase 4 expansion of wireless, public safety and Wi-Fi services to 21 underground subway stations in the Bronx and 16 in Manhattan.

Additionally, Transit Wireless has initiated design and construction work on the fifth phase of the seven-phase project to wire all 279 underground MTA stations. When completed, Phase 5 will bring another 37 stations online by mid-2016, including the first stations in Brooklyn.

“More and more, access to high-speed Internet is a necessity and many New Yorkers cannot afford to be blacked out while trying to get from point A to point B,” Gov. Andrew Cuomo said. “By ensuring that subways stations throughout the city offer full Wi-Fi capabilities, we are not only improving rider experience, but also making public transportation a more viable option for those who work in and around our city.”

Phase 4 of the cellular and Wi-Fi network build-out covers 37 underground MTA stations in the Bronx and Manhattan, including major MTA hubs. Phases 1 through 4 of the network build-out have brought underground connectivity to 70 million MTA riders monthly in Manhattan, Queens, and now, the Bronx.