Chicago's Subway System to Get Underground Mobile Coverage

Allgon Telecom, in a contract with Aldridge Electric has been selected to provide a comprehensive wireless telecommunications coverage solution for the Chicago Transit Authority rapid subway tunnels, underground stations and station passageways. Once completed, the project will be the first state-of-the-art multi-provider, multi-technology wireless coverage solution deployed in a U.S. mass transit system. The 18-month installation is expected to commence immediately, with limited service throughout the two 11.4 mile tunnels available to carriers in seven to nine months.

"The combination of Aldridge Electric's extensive installation experience within Chicago's subway system with Allgon's expertise providing coverage solutions for complex environments worldwide, offers the Chicago Transit Authority the most comprehensive, cost-efficient way to expand communications capability," said Magnus Friberg, president, Allgon Telecom Ltd. "After the system is complete and providers are signed-up, customers can look forward to the security and convenience seamless wireless coverage can provide wherever they are within the rail system."

Allgon's fiber-based distributed antenna network will transmit mobile radio signals from strategically positioned radio base station hotels outside of the Chicago Subway tunnel system. Besides supporting all major U.S. wireless providers, the system enhances the communication system for the Chicago Transit Authority, Chicago Police Department and Chicago Fire Department/EMS. The multi-provider and multi-band system of repeaters and antennas will be connected to a common fiber-optic backbone - a solution that is an Allgon Coverage Engineering (ACE) specialty.

"This underground connection will enable us to have multiple communication options available both for the CTA and for our customers and it prepares us for a variety of situations," said CTA president Frank Kruesi. "The more options we have for communicating while in the subway, the better we can deliver a positive, more convenient transit experience to the half-million customers who use our rail system each weekday."

The Chicago Transit Authority (CTA) is an independent governmental agency created by Illinois state legislation in 1947. The CTA operates the USA's second largest public transportation system and covers the City of Chicago and 40 surrounding suburbs. On an average weekday, 1.5 million rides are taken on the CTA."

Posted to the site on 19th March 2003