TTC, BAI Canada & WIND Mobile launch cellular service underground

WIND Mobile customers can now access cellular connectivity at TTC subway stations

BAI Canada and the Toronto Transit Commission have signed on the TTC’s first cellular carrier, WIND Mobile, introducing cellular connectivity to Torontonians at underground subway stations. Starting today, 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.

Quotes:
“The expansion of wireless capabilities in our transit system will allow TTC riders to be connected underground, enhancing the way we work and do business in our city. This is an example of how the City can bring its operations into the 21st century. As Mayor, I am committed to modernizing both the services the City offers and the way they are delivered to Toronto residents. I’d like to congratulate WIND Mobile and BAI Canada for working with the TTC to put customers first and expanding cellular service underground.”
John Tory, Mayor of Toronto

“As part of the TTC’s modernization process and broader wireless initiative, we are committed to providing connectivity to TTC customers while generating revenue to help fund continued system improvements. WIND Mobile subscribers will be the first to have access to cellular service at TTC stations, and we look forward to expanding service in the future to all TTC customers.”
Josh Colle, Chair, TTC

“The TTC is focused on enhancing the commuter journey and helping customers get more value for their time they spend on the system. We look forward to continually increasing the reach of the underground wireless network throughout our multi-year agreement with BAI Canada.”
Chris Upfold, Deputy CEO/Chief Customer Officer, TTC

“Today’s announcement builds on our commitment to provide our customers with the true mobile freedom they deserve, whether above or below ground. This is yet another step towards expanding our network and enhancing the Canadian wireless experience.”
Alek Krstajic, CEO, WIND Mobile

“BAI Canada is proud to work with WIND Mobile to offer cellular service at TTC subway stations, and we look forward to bringing more stations live with wireless connectivity. Today’s announcement highlights our momentum – since late 2013, we’ve installed wireless infrastructure and launched TCONNECT Wi-Fi at each of the TTC’s downtown subway stations, with the target of having wireless at every subway station in 2017.”
Ken Ranger, CEO, BAI Canada

About BAI Canada
BAI Canada is a subsidiary of the Canadian-owned BAI Group, a leader in wireless communications with global expertise to fund, design, build and operate open access, multi-functional underground transit wireless communications networks, broadcast communications, private radio networks and online communications. BAI Group’s Transit Wireless is building and operating the wireless network in the New York subway. BAI has also been involved in deploying and maintaining communication networks for some of the most complex subway systems around the world, including Hong Kong’s MTR Corporation.

About WIND Mobile
WIND Mobile is dedicated to improving the Canadian wireless experience by offering customers simple and transparent plans, including real unlimited data/voice/text with no-term contracts and no hidden fees. Committed to being Canada's 4th largest carrier, WIND has more than 800,000 happy customers in Canada. Learn more about WIND Mobile at WINDmobile.ca or follow online at facebook.com/WINDmobile or twitter.com/WINDmobile.

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For more information contact:

Laura Crochetiere
FleishmanHillard
Office: 416-598-5790
Mobile: 647-268-2288
Laura.Crochetiere@fleishman.ca

TTC Corporate Communications
416-981-1900
media@ttc.ca