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Good news for anyone who’s ever watched their signal die the second the PATH doors closed: the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey is bringing free, faster internet to nearly every corner of its transit empire—including underground.
Under a new long-term agreement with Boingo Wireless, travelers can expect stronger 5G and Wi-Fi coverage across airports, PATH stations, the Midtown Bus Terminal and even the Holland and Lincoln tunnels. That means seamless scrolling from terminal to tunnel, whether you’re catching a flight at LaGuardia or crawling through the Lincoln.
“Connectivity is as essential to travel today as runways, railroads and roadways,” said Port Authority Chairman Kevin O’Toole. “Our commitment to strengthening our digital infrastructure ensures that the millions of people who rely on our facilities each day experience secure, high-speed connectivity that keeps pace with modern expectations.”
The plan marks a major expansion of a 25-year partnership with Boingo, which has managed the Port Authority’s wireless infrastructure since 1999. The new deal runs through 2038, with an option to extend to 2043, and includes the rollout of neutral-host 5G networks that support all major carriers—AT&T, T-Mobile and Verizon—so you won’t be punished for choosing the wrong phone plan.
Port Authority Executive Director Rick Cotton promised “best-in-class free and fast Wi-Fi, impeccable cellular phone service and superb connectivity on all fronts.” The upgrades will extend beyond passenger perks, improving communication for ground crews, transit employees and other operational systems.
In practice, that means smoother check-ins, faster mobile payments, more reliable transit alerts—and maybe even a shot at uploading your Hudson River tunnel selfie before emerging back into daylight. The tech will also help power behind-the-scenes essentials like biometric screening and security cameras, all while keeping user data protected through encrypted connections and 24/7 monitoring.
Boingo, which operates networks at more than 130 airports worldwide, called it an “honor to connect New York and New Jersey’s landmark transportation systems with cutting-edge wireless networks.” With Newark Liberty and JFK already ranking among the world’s fastest airports for Wi-Fi, according to Boingo, the Port Authority hopes to make dead zones across its network a thing of the past.
Finally—no more dropped calls mid-commute.