AT&T, State Team Up For High-Speed Cell Service Project

NORWALK, CT — The state and AT&T have launched a public-private partnership to "vastly enhance and improve the traveling experience of commuters" by upgrading railroad cell communication service along the Metro-North New Haven Line, Gov. Ned Lamont announced.

At a press conference inside the South Norwalk train station on Monday, Lamont, state and local leaders, and executives from AT&T, discussed the plan, which will allow rail commuters to work on the train from New Haven through Greenwich and no longer experience disconnected cell phone calls.

AT&T will entirely fund the project, officials said, and no tax dollars will be spent.

"Here in Connecticut, we are thinking about infrastructure differently than other states, and that includes access to high-speed internet networks," said Lamont. "By partnering with telecommunications companies like AT&T and giving them the ability to install their necessary equipment on state property, we can expand internet access to more residents, including commuters of our rail lines. Families will be able to connect with each other more reliably on the train ride to and from work, meaning mom and dad can have a video chat with their kids and the signal won’t stop due to poor coverage. These kinds of investments will boost productivity and significantly contribute to Connecticut’s already high quality of life, all while making the state more attractive to future employers. Once again, this is another example of a public-private partnership we were able to create that will benefit our residents while doing so in a cost-effective manner. I thank AT&T for working with us and taking the initiative on this project."

Specifically, Connecticut officials agreed to allow AT&T to use the state's right-of-way along the rail line to place small cells and related equipment to provide 4G LTE service with an upgrade to 5G technology in the near future. The timeline for the project has not been finalized, but officials said work will begin immediately and continue over the next two years and beyond.

AT&T will use this access to install a series of small cell nodes, which will work in tandem with the company's existing network to provide better coverage and higher data speeds to customers using their devices while traveling on the New Haven Line. Over time, the state also will outfit 132 new rail cars with antennas that will be able to assist commuters with the improved cell service.

"Gov. Lamont's vision for a modern, connected, and cutting-edge Connecticut is taking a large step forward with this historic public-private partnership," said John Emra, president of AT&T Connecticut. "AT&T's network enhancements along the New Haven Line will greatly benefit commuters today and also lay the foundation for the next generation of technology. We thank Governor Lamont and his team for their collaboration and dedication to making our state a leader in wireless technology."

Norwalk Mayor Harry Rilling, State Senate Majority Leader Bob Duff and a host of local leaders applauded the project, including Westport and New Canaan state Sen. Will Haskell, a Democrat who was integral in bringing the project together.

"Commuters have waited long enough for the ability to commute efficiently," Haskell said. "I spend a lot of mornings at train stations, chatting with those who sit on the train every morning and every evening. They want to be efficient with their time, and they're tired of service dead zones along the route to Manhattan. That's why I've fought for improved connectivity since my first day in the Senate, and I'm overjoyed to see this partnership become a reality at no cost to taxpayers. Our commuters need services that match our modern expectations. This gets us that much closer, and helps attract the next generation of workers."

Added Joseph Giulietti, the state's Department of Transportation Commissioner, "CT2030 envisions a rail service that is faster, more frequent, and more reliable. Our plan includes the purchase of 132 rail cars and 30 locomotives that will be critical to making Gov. Lamont's vision a reality. We have begun listening to our customers and rail advocates to understand what they would like: more comfort, work tables, better lighting, charging for mobile devices, and enhanced connectivity – and we plan to deliver."

Though state, local and AT&T leaders discussed the project in glowing terms, not everyone in attendance at the press conference was on board.

A few protesters standing behind the speakers held signs critical of 5G technology, calling the communication system a "military grade microwave pulse system, harmful to all living things."

"We believe in science," another sign read. "Wireless radiation is harmful to your health."

When asked about the health claims, Emra dismissed them as unproven.

"A lot of these concerns are just unfounded," he said.