Final Letter Audit Report on Phase VII of the Wireless Voice and Data Service in New York City’s Subway System as Provided by Transit Wireless

Executive Summary

This Final Letter Report contains the findings of our audit of the Wireless Voice and Data Service in New York City’s subway system as provided by Transit Wireless (“TW”).  The audit’s objective was to determine whether the wireless voice and data communication system installed by TW within certain New York City subway stations (including platforms, mezzanines, and various points within public access passageways) operates effectively.  This audit is the sixth and final report in a series of audits of the ongoing installation of cellular and wireless services in the New York City subway system.  Through our audit, we found that the wireless voice and data communications systems installed in all 50 Phase VII underground Manhattan, Brooklyn and Queens stations were operating as intended.  In addition, we also examined Subway Reads, a partnership between the Metropolitan Transportation Authority (“MTA”) New York City Transit (“NYCT”), TW and Penguin Random House, that brings free electronic books through free wireless internet services to the underground subway system, and found that it also works as planned.

Accordingly, based on this audit and our earlier audits of Phases I through VI of TW’s installation of wireless voice and data communications, we found that, as of September 19, 2017, all 277 stations in Phases I through VII were operating as intended.

Audit Findings and Conclusions

We found that the wireless voice and data communication system currently installed by TW within the 50 Phase VII subway stations we tested (including platforms, mezzanines, and various points within public access passageways) is operating as intended.  In addition, between March 29, 2017 and September 19, 2017, we revisited the 227 stations previously tested in Phases I through VI (the 47 stations in Phase I, the 29 stations in Phase II, the 38 in Phase III, the 36 stations in Phase IV, the 35 stations in Phase V, and 42 stations in Phase VI).  We found the wireless network still operational and were able to establish an immediate Wi-Fi connection.  Further, we were able to download Subway Reads e-books from the Penguin Random House site at the appropriate stations.  As of September 19, 2017, all 277 underground subway stations (Phases I through VII) were operating as intended.  We recommend that the MTA, NYCT and TW continue to provide voice and data service to the 277 underground New York City subway stations.

Audit Recommendations

The audit recommends that the MTA, NYCT and TW continue to provide voice and data service to the 277 underground New York City subway stations.

Agency Response

In their written responses, the MTA and NYCT agreed with the report.  NYCT stated, “MTA New York City Transit accepts the conclusion of the attached draft audit by the New York City Office of the Comptroller on NYCT’s Wireless Voice and Data Service.  We are pleased that the City Comptroller has acknowledged the successful completion of this project. MTA New York City Transit will, as recommended, continue to provide voice and data service to these 277 underground stations.”