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    1. Technology

    TTC, BAI Canada and Wind Mobile Launch Cellular Service Underground

    June 18, 2015
    Related To: Toronto Transit Commission (TTC)

    BAI Canada and the Toronto Transit Commission (TTC) have signed on the TTC's first cellular carrier, Wind Mobile, introducing cellular connectivity to Torontonians at underground subway stations. Starting June 17, Wind customers will be the first to have access to cellular service on TTC platforms throughout all areas of St. George, Bay and Bloor-Yonge stations with additional connectivity on the downtown "U" and Spadina stations going live by the Toronto 2015 Pan Am/Parapan Am Games.

    This announcement marks a significant milestone in TTC's modernization plans and the larger wireless installation project that is bringing both cellular and Wi-Fi connectivity to customers on the TTC subway system. With this new agreement, TTC customers with WIND service will have access to unlimited talk, text, and data services when they are in wireless-enabled TTC subway stations.

    BAI Canada has built a shared Wi-Fi and cellular infrastructure for the TTC that allows any wireless carrier to sign on and provide underground cellular service to their customers. As the first carrier to sign on to the network, Wind Mobile is presently the exclusive provider of cellular services at underground TTC subway stations.

    The introduction of cellular service at TTC stations builds on the success of TConnect, BAI Canada's ad-supported Wi-Fi service, which was first launched to TTC customers in late 2013. The network is now live at 18 subway station platforms around the downtown "U", including Bloor-Yonge, Bay, St George and Spadina stations. The TConnect network now grants more than one million one-hour sessions per month while TTC customers use more than 15 terabytes of data on the Wi-Fi network.

    Following the Toronto 2015 Pan Am/Parapan Am Games, BAI Canada will expand service to Sherbourne and Bathurst stations, installing the shared Wi-Fi and cellular infrastructure to allow for connectivity on Line 2.

    BAI Canada owns and operates the wireless communications network of the TTC and functions as a single contact point for all Toronto licensed Wireless Service within the TTC. At project completion, BAI Canada's cellular and Wi-Fi networks will be established within 61 underground subway stations, 65 platforms, all mezzanines, walkways, passageways and stairs.