Sound Transit is making it easier than ever to annoy your fellow passengers with tunnel cell service.
On Friday, Sound Transit announced that it has a “contract to supply cell service in all underground transit tunnels and stations.”
That’s right. While you’re waiting for your light rail to SeaTac, you can regale your fellow passengers with your inane conversation with your mom about your upcoming flight.
“Making it possible for riders to use their smartphones anywhere on Link light rail — even in the tunnel — is an example of our commitment to customer service,” said Dow Constantine, chair of the Sound Transit board of directors and the King County executive, in the official statement. “Sound Transit is making it easier for passengers to stay connected and productive as they travel across the region.”
According to the deal, Mobilitie Investments III will install, operate and host the network. They’ve been testing it in the Beacon Hill tunnel and apparently it’s showing “robust” cell coverage. It’s set to be live by mid-2016.
What is it about us that we need to be connected for the few minutes we’re underground? I’m fine with texting, reading and playing games, but please remember: Just because you will soon have the power to talk while in the tunnels doesn’t mean you should do it.
