The Toronto Transit Commission’s plan to bring Wi-Fi service to two of its subway stations by the end of the year is about to become reality. The switch will be flipped on at both the Yonge-Bloor and St. George stations on Monday, November 25, as a a trial run prior to extending it to the rest of the stations.
While TTC users will be able to browse the web, send emails and receive TTC alerts, they will be unable to make and receive calls or text messages as cellular coverage will not be available. BAI Canada, the company rolling out wireless on the TTC still needs to strike a deal with a carrier to make this happen. “Cell providers have not demonstrated an eagerness to participate at this stage, so there will be no cell service or texting,” explained TTC spokesman Brad Ross. He added that “We’ve sent letters to the big service providers to encourage them to come on board … The TTC is eager to work with (them) to provide this service our customers have asked for.”
Monday’s launch will be a soft one meant to test the system and work out any issues before it is officially launched in December. The plan is then to extend the network to the other stations over the next four years. It will only cover the stations and not the tunnels.
Source : The Toronto Star