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More Connectivity on Regional Connector Coming this Fall
The Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority (Metro) today announced it has expanded cellular service to the K Line underground sections. Through a public-private partnership agreement with American Tower, customers of major wireless providers AT&T, T-Mobile and Verizon will now have full cellular service coverage at the Expo/Crenshaw, Martin Luther King and Leimert Park stations and in the tunnels that connect them.
“Our customers deserve a safe, convenient, and connected ride – and we’re pleased that cell service is now fully operational in the underground stations on the K Line,” said Metro Board Chair and Whittier City Council Member Fernando Dutra.
The expanded cell service provides riders and frontline workers with added convenience and safety at no cost to Metro, making it easier to stay connected while at stations and onboard Metro trains.
“Now, the tens of thousands of people who use the K Line, including the many connecting to the airport through our new LAX/Metro Transit Center, can have confidence that they won’t lose connectivity underground, and they can use the full range of apps available to our riders, including our upgraded Transit Watch App,” said Metro CEO Stephanie Wiggins. “Thank you to our wireless operators for their work to ensure that our riders are connected and thank you to all the Metro teams who made this improvement possible for all our customers.”
The capital investment is being made by Metro’s private partner, American Tower, in collaboration with the major wireless providers, underscoring a shared commitment to enhance connectivity and infrastructure.
“Delivering reliable wireless service to these key L.A. Metro lines marks an exciting milestone in our long-standing collaboration. For over a decade, we’ve been working alongside Metro to expand coverage, especially as the system has continued to grow with new underground lines to support the many high-profile events planned in the Los Angeles area in the coming years,” said Jared Hirsch, Senior Vice President of Sales and Marketing at American Tower, U.S. Tower Division.
This latest expansion joins the growing list of Metro locations that already have access to service from the three major wireless providers, including the underground stations and tunnels on the B and D Lines, A Line 7th/Metro Station and adjacent track section toward Pico Station, as well as E Line Mariachi Plaza and Soto Stations along with adjacent track sections.
“In today’s world, connectivity is a fundamental enabler of progress and innovation,” said Lupita Sanchez Cornejo, Regional Vice President, AT&T. “And that’s why AT&T has the largest wireless network in North America.1 By laying the groundwork for cutting-edge technologies, we aim to ensure that our customers, including first responders on FirstNet®, can access reliable, high-speed internet no matter where they are, including those using the K Line underground in Los Angeles County.”
“We built America’s largest 5G network to keep people connected when they need it whether at home or in transit,” said David Bezzant, Vice President, T-Mobile Business Group. “We believe strongly in the power of community and now people in Los Angeles County have even more access to wireless service at their fingertips to help them thrive.”
“Verizon is proud to be a partner in this important initiative to expand network connectivity along the Metro K-Line. This work with Metro and American Tower aims to expand our award-winning network further, and is integral to our commitment to keep riders and frontline workers connected when it matters most, whether they are commuting to work, communicating with loved ones, or in need of critical information,” said Steven Keller, Verizon’s Pacific Market President. “We believe that access to a reliable network is fundamental to the way our customers live, work, and play, and we are honored to contribute to a safer, more connected transit experience for the people of Los Angeles,” he added.
In addition, AT&T customers began receiving cellular service on the Regional Connector (Little Tokyo, Historic Broadway, Grand Ave Arts/Bunker Hill Stations) in May. Metro expects T-Mobile and Verizon Wireless customers to have service on the Regional Connector as early as this fall.
About Metro
The Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority (Metro) is building the most ambitious transportation infrastructure program in the United States and is working to greatly improve mobility through its Vision 2028 Plan. Metro is the lead transportation planning and funding agency for L.A. County and carries nearly 1 million boardings daily on a fleet of 2,200 low-emission buses and six rail lines.
Stay informed by following Metro on The Source and El Pasajero at metro.net, facebook.com/losangelesmetro, x.com/metrolosangeles , x.com/metroLAalerts and instagram.com/metrolosangeles .
FirstNet and the FirstNet logo are registered trademarks and service marks of the First Responder Network Authority. All other marks are the property of their respective owners.
1 Based on comparison of carrier owned & operated networks. No AT&T on-net coverage in select countries, including Canada.
