LIRR announces Wi-Fi now available in Atlantic Terminal as teams activate first cell connectivity in LIRR’s Atlantic Avenue Tunnel

July 14, 2021
Verizon becomes the first carrier to deliver cell service in the first segment of tunnel as work continues to add carriers and tunnel segments.

The Long Island Rail Road (LIRR) has activated Wi-Fi at Atlantic Terminal along with cell connectivity for Verizon customers in the LIRR tunnel between Atlantic Terminal and Bedford Avenue. 

Members of the public seeking to use free Wi-Fi in Atlantic Terminal should connect to MTA Public Wi-Fi in their phone’s settings. There is no password needed.  

The LIRR expects to add cell connectivity in the Atlantic Avenue Tunnel for subscribers of other carriers, extend the connectivity to the LIRR’s tunnel between East New York and Jamaica and activate Wi-Fi in LIRR’s Jamaica station. 

“The installation of high functioning Wi-Fi at one of our busiest terminals is yet another example of the LIRR continuously seeking to improve service for our customers,” said LIRR President Phil Eng. “As customers continue to return to the system in the aftermath of the pandemic, they’ll be greeted with modernized infrastructure and tools, including our world class app and enhanced connectivity. In the months ahead we’ll continue to innovate and expand our Wi-Fi capabilities eliminating remaining dead spots throughout the system and across carriers.” 

This cell connectivity and Wi-Fi is being built out by Boingo, which found ways to work safely with the LIRR throughout the pandemic. 

“New York is getting back to business and Boingo is ready for the return with seamless connectivity solutions built for the 5G era,” said Boingo CEO Mike Finley. “Our neutral host carrier service technologies support the LIRR and MTA to streamline the rider experience and satisfy growing demands of connected consumers.” 

The Metropolitan Transportation Authority says it has made significant strides at improving connectivity in recent years. Late last year, the MTA worked to bring full connectivity for customers of both Verizon and AT&T to the L Train tunnel connecting Brooklyn and Manhattan on the L line.