The Good Stuff


02/22/2024

New York Transportation: Better Connections Mean Better Travel

By Team Boingo
  • Article
  • 5 min read

NEW YORK IS PAVING THE WAY FOR A SMARTER FUTURE

The bustling metropolis is more interconnected than ever thanks to digital-infrastructure superhighways that keep people connected. Whether traveling by train, plane, bus or car, New Yorkers benefit from cutting-edge technologies that make travel easier and safer.

The future of transportation in New York is being shaped by 5G and Wi-Fi. These advanced wireless networks enable real-time connections between people and the infrastructure around them. On trains, riders’ phones receive up-to-the-minute information on train schedules and delays. At airports, passengers track flights and stay connected to work and entertainment while waiting to board. Networks are also pivotal to emergency response, surveillance and safety measures for workers and the traveling public.

 

MOVING NEW YORK’S DIGITAL TRANSFORMATION FORWARD

Building modern infrastructure is complex. It takes collaboration among diverse teams with unique expertise. New York’s public-private partnerships help fast-track innovation and ensure long-term success.

Boingo Wireless is an expert in deploying intricate wireless solutions, contributing significantly to some of the most important infrastructure projects New York has undertaken in the last two decades. This includes working with the Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) to launch next-generation 5G and Wi-Fi networks at Atlantic Terminal and Jamaica Station, one of the busiest transportation hubs in the U.S.

By building and managing state-of-the-art wireless networks that cover approximately 30 miles of Right of Way—or routes—including tunnels, Boingo enables riders to make calls, send text messages and access the internet while in transit—even when they are commuting more than 100 feet underground.

Boingo also supports the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey (PANYNJ) with networks at the World Trade Center Oculus and airports throughout the region.

“As New York sets its sights on building a smarter city, the role of converged 5G and Wi-Fi networks is paramount,” says Mike Finley, CEO of Boingo Wireless. “These transformative technologies revolutionize the way people move, connect and experience the city, creating a seamless digital ecosystem that empowers New York to thrive.”

 

PROBLEM SOLVING AND INNOVATIVE THINKING

As cities like New York continue to evolve, the integration of connectivity into their infrastructure remains essential for progress. Implementing 5G and Wi-Fi requires careful planning, coordination and integration of various technologies. Network security is also paramount. Wesco plays a crucial role in enabling efficient deployment of networks throughout major New York-New Jersey transportation projects.

“New York and New Jersey’s commitment to building 21st-century infrastructure will benefit people and businesses for generations to come,” says John Engel, chairman, president and CEO of Wesco. “Transportation and technology go hand in hand. Connecting transportation systems with state-of-the-art technologies fosters economic growth and enhances the quality of life for residents.”

Wesco supported Boingo in launching cellular and Wi-Fi 6 networks at Newark Liberty International Airport’s (EWR) brand-new Terminal A. Now open, the more than 1-million-square-foot terminal will welcome an anticipated 14 million passengers a year with a convenient travel experience. The digital infrastructure enables fast connectivity for passengers and reliable internet for critical airport operations.

Embracing innovation across operations to meet ever-changing traveler demands, airports are hot spots for groundbreaking technologies and customer-centric solutions. From check-in to takeoff, digital solutions bolster security and streamline passenger flow.

The New York and New Jersey metropolitan areas are making giant strides in becoming smart regions with digital-first transportation systems. 5G and Wi-Fi stand as powerful forces shaping what’s next in transportation, opening the door for a more accessible and prosperous future.

Article originally appeared on Wall Street Journal.