Cell service in Metro stations expands

WASHINGTON - Cell phone customers who have AT&T, Sprint and T-Mobile service will be able to make calls from the platforms at Metro's 20 busiest stations.

The expanded service, which allows allows you to access the Internet and send e-mails, starts Friday at the following stations:

• Ballston;
• Bethesda;
• Columbia Heights;
• Crystal City;
• Dupont Circle;
• Farragut North;
• Farragut West;
• Federal Triangle;
• Foggy Bottom-GWU;
• Friendship Heights;
• Gallery Pl-Chinatown;
• Judiciary Square;
• L'Enfant Plaza;
• McPherson Square;
• Metro Center;
• Pentagon, Pentagon City;
• Rosslyn;
• Smithsonian;
• Union Station.

Until now, Metro says its underground wireless network only supported Verizon Wireless and Sprint phones that roamed the Verizon network.

The next stage is to install the service at the remaining 27 underground stations by the fall of 2010.

"Customers will be able to use these carrier-provided wireless services in tunnels between stations by October 2012," said Suzanne Peck, Metro's chief information officer.

The initial 15-year wireless contract is expected to generate $25 million for Metro. Another $27 million is expected during five, two-year renewal terms.

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