Is Expanded Cell Phone Service Already Working in Some Metro Stations?
Back in August, WMATA announced that the first phase of the Congressionally imposed expanded cell phone network inside D.C.'s Metro system would be completed by October 16. That date, by which time Verizon Wireless, Sprint Nextel, AT&T and T-Mobile customers should all be able to access their networks inside the 20 busiest underground Metro stations, is coming up fast. And earlier this week, it appeared as though some of the stations might already be wired up.
On Tuesday night at about 11:15 p.m., DCist was able to access the AT&T 3G network while standing on the platform inside the L'Enfant Plaza Metro station. L'Enfant is one of the 20 stations that is part of the first phase of the expansion, which also includes Ballston, Bethesda, Columbia Heights, Crystal City, Dupont Circle, Farragut North, Farragut West, Federal Center SW, Foggy Bottom-GWU, Friendship Heights, Gallery Pl-Chinatown, Judiciary Square, McPherson Square, Metro Center, Pentagon, Pentagon City, Rosslyn, Smithsonian and Union Station.
So we checked in with both WMATA and AT&T to see whether the project was indeed coming along on time, and if some stations, like L'Enfant Plaza, were perhaps already done.
Neither the transit agency nor the cellular company would confirm that the system was currently working, or being tested, in any capacity.
"The cell service is not turned on yet," said WMATA spokesperson Ron Holzer. "We are working closely and collaboratively with the carrier team (Verizon Wireless, Sprint Nextel, AT&T and T-Mobile) to have service operational by October 16 at the first 20 stations."
AT&T could only offer an even more vague official statement.
"AT&T along with T-Mobile, Verizon Wireless and Sprint are thrilled to work with WMATA and we look forward to expanding WMATA's customers' wireless coverage at the earliest opportunity," said AT&T spokesperson Elizabeth Gautier. "This project is an extremely challenging and complex one, given the technical requirements, the Metro environment, and the need to avoid impacting normal service to the public. Obviously, many variables come in to play. WMATA and the Team have worked together to develop a timetable and work is well underway."
Based on those responses, we don't know if what we experienced was a fluke or what. So you tell us, non-Verizon customers: have you been able to access another cell phone carrier inside one of these 20 stations this month? Let us know in the comments, and stay tuned while we keep on top of this story as October 16 grows ever closer.