Nov. 22, 2006

Four national wireless carriers have all agreed on a plan to help shoulder the cost of providing wireless service in Boston’s Big Dig tunnels.

This will prevent drivers from having their cell-phone conversations interrupted.

According to various documents filed with the MTA (Massachusetts Turnpike Authority), the negotiations to provide mobile coverage in the tunnels have been going on for several years.

The Boston Globe reported that Cingular Wireless, Sprint Nextel, T-Mobile USA and Verizon Wireless have agreed to share the cost of providing wireless coverage.

The agreement includes a $1.57 million initial access fee and an additional $140,000 annually.

Construction and installation costs are estimated at no more than $7.6 million.

Additionally, operating and management costs of no more than $100,000 per year will also be split among the four partners.

Source: RCR News