Wireless in the Subway in Chicago

Chicago Tribune | What's in store
: "CELL SERVICE IN SUBWAYS
Status: In March 2003, the CTA approved a $11.2 million construction contract to wire the Red and Blue Line subways for cell phone service. A number of riders have said the inability to use cell phones underground is a safety issue because it prevents them from calling 911. But the CTA says the main focus was to improve communication for emergency professionals such as police officers and firefighters. According to CTA spokeswoman Ibis Antongiorgi, cell phone service would be a side benefit for customers.

Coming down the track: The CTA says it put out a competitive bid to telecommunications providers in June 2004. Because the bid is active, no further details are available to the public, Antongiorgi said. Once a bid is accepted, however, the CTA estimates it will take 30 days to get the service up and running.
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