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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.
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I usually get an AT&T signal on the upper platforms (green/yellow) at L'enfant. I thought it was due to the increased number of cell towers installed for inauguration.
Honorary legalese quote of the day (because you can never definitively say what you really mean):
And earlier this week, it appeared as though some of the stations might already be wired up.
I don't think this has anything to do with the recent expanded service announcement. I have ATT and if stand in the right place on the upper platforms at Lenfant, I've been able to sort of get service for quite a while.
I'm definitely looking forward to the expanded service but knowing metro I don't trust it will be ready by the 16th. One can always hope though.
I've been able to use my AT&T phone for the last year and a half on the upper platform within L'enfant, I thought it was just because it was a fairly shallow station...
Same here-- my AT&T blackberry has always worked in L'Enfant Plaza.
I got AT&T service in Farragut North this afternoon but I've never checked to see if I did or didn't get it there before.
Ditto, ditto, ditto on AT&T working on the upper platform of L'Enfant. I've made phone calls and updated email there for a while now, just a nice fluke presumably due to nearby towers. Can't wait til it and other stations are officially active.
Yep, I've been getting AT&T service on the upper platforms of L'Enfant for the past 5 years.
I could always access AT&T's 3G network at L'Enfant's upper platform...there must be some confluence of signals. It surely makes the transfer wait more worthwhile. But this is nothing new. Sorry.
Yep to beat a dead horse...I've been able to use ATT at L'Enfant for a year or so. Can sometimes get it at Eastern Market too
I also use AT&T and on rare occasions dating as far back as last year, I was able to get a bar or two on my phone--just enough to get a text message but not enough to really do anything else--I've gotten this in the very upper level of L'Enfant and actually at Gallery Pl too! I would be willing to bet they will only test them at system close and probably not throw on the switches until the last possible moment--even if some stations might be done earlier...
What's next, cell phones on planes?
Yeah, we've got you covered.
I have been able to get AT&T on the upper platform in L'Enfant Plaza at one end anyway for over a year.