Singtel has launched full 5G coverage across the Mass Rapid Transit (MRT) network islandwide.

Coverage includes all six underground lines and all 27 stations on the newly completed Thomson-East Coast Line (TEL).

MRT Singapore
Mass Rapid Transit train in Singapore – Getty Images

Construction for the upgrade began in 2022. During installation, engineers had to work in non-operational hours to avoid disruption to train services.

Singtel said that to keep in line with the company’s goal of achieving net zero by 2045, the engineers reconfigured existing hardware that originally served the 3G and 4G spectrums.

Ng Tian Chong, CEO of Singtel, said: “Many of today’s commuters, who are on 5G, want to maximize their time wherever they may be. By ensuring strong 5G connectivity throughout Singapore’s MRT network, we’re supporting thousands of commuters who use digital tools to complete their daily tasks.

“Whether traveling above or below ground, our customers can rely on our strong connectivity to work on the go, keep in touch with their loved ones, surf the Internet, stream videos, or games on their mobile devices.”

The telco’s 5G coverage now spans over 1,700 outdoor and 1,000 indoor locations.

Earlier this month, Singtel announced plans to boost its GPU capacity across Europe and Southeast Asia in partnership with AI cloud provider Nscale.

A report earlier this year said telcos in Singapore were preparing to shut down 3G services in the coming months.

Boldyn Networks brings 5G to the 42nd Street Shuttle line in New York City

Boldyn Networks has launched its 5G network across the Metropolitan Transportation Authority’s (MTA) 42nd Street Shuttle line in New York City.

The company said this will ensure Verizon, AT&T, and T-Mobile customers will have full cell service across one of the system’s most traveled tunnels. As Boldyn is a neutral host, all wireless carriers can use the same infrastructure to serve their customers.

The shuttle is the first line in Manhattan to have full mobile service underground.

The agreement also includes free Wi-Fi service in all 191 above-ground subway stations and 21 Staten Island Railway stations.

The company added that even during peak commutes when up to 12,000 passengers per hour are using the shuttle line, riders will still have access to a high-capacity, low-latency network.

“Our partnerships with the MTA, Verizon, AT&T, and T-Mobile underscore Boldyn’s long-term commitment to implementing technology in New York City for the better,” said Christos Karmis, CEO of Boldyn Networks, US.

The network has also been designed to provide connectivity to first responders, with bandwidth prioritization for the public safety community.

The project is part of a wider initiative to deploy wireless coverage across the entire New York City subway system.

Earlier this year, Boldyn provided 4G connectivity across all Elizabeth line stations on the London underground network in the UK.