ANDOVER, Mass. — The MBTA is slowing its rollout of a new WiFi expansion for the Commuter Rail after an outcry from communities along its lines.
The expansion called for a series of poles along the routes – similar to cell towers, though much shorter – which would boost the signal for the trains’ wireless internet connections.
Friday, the MBTA announced it would conduct a 30-day assessment of the project. The review announcement came amid an outcry from residents along the lines over the lack of community awareness about the project.
“When I first learned about this project that will impact 60-or-so communities along the commuter rail several weeks ago, I began coordinating my local, state and federal colleagues to oppose this project,” said Mass. Senator Barbara L’Italien (D-Andover).
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Communities in L’Italien’s district were made aware of the project when it was proposed in a historic district, a placement that necessitated public awareness.
In a brief news release Friday, the MBTA announced it would be reviewing the project.
Full statement:
Concerning the MBTA’s Commuter Rail WiFi Project, please note the following:
The MBTA today announced that it is conducting a 30-day assessment of the project approved by the MBTA in 2014 to install equipment along MBTA commuter rail line corridors to provide customers with improved WiFi and cellular service. There will be no construction of poles or other infrastructure during this review, which will include comments and other feedback from customers, elected and appointed officials, and residents. A presentation on the status of this project will be given to the MBTA Fiscal and Management Control Board at an upcoming meeting.
“The news earlier today from the MBTA that they will conduct a 30-day assessment of the project is promising,” L’Italien said. “I have also requested modifications to the proposed height and locations of these monopoles and have called for the cancellation of the MBTA’s contract with BAI Communications if they will not consider community impacts in their evaluation of this project.”