Digital underground

The MBTA plans to make cellular phone, pager and wireless Internet use possible in its underground stations by contracting with the highest telecommunications firm bidder. Boston would have the distinction of being one of the first cities in the country where cellular use can take place in underground stations. This is in addition to being the nation’s 12th most wired city, according to a Yahoo! Internet Life survey this week. The MBTA would offer the winning firm with a 25-year lease to contract with wireless companies.

While T rider advocates may argue that the MBTA should concentrate on its other more pressing renovation concerns, this project requires soliciting bids from interested firms and hiring one to make the renovations at the company’s expense. Thus, this renovation project would not cost the MBTA any additional money or manpower. In addition, establishing a lease agreement with a telecommunications firm would generate millions of revenue dollars for the MBTA, which would help offset its huge financial debt.

While some critics may also argue that cellular phone use in the underground T station would be an unnecessary annoyance, many people would welcome the opportunity to be able to receive phone calls and email messages. Instead of having to rush to end a cellular call just because the T moves to an underground stop, riders can continue their phone calls without interruption.

The MBTA’s plan would also make its public transit system more attractive to business people. Those people who commute to work in the city would appreciate being able to be able to conduct business while riding the T. With this new convenience, more business commuters may choose to use the T as their primary source of transportation. The MBTA should be commended for keeping up with the Digital Age by promoting cellular and Internet use in the city’s public transit system.