Underground wireless

New York City commuters will soon be able to use their cell phones in the city's labyrinthine subway system. The Metropolitan Transportation Authority said it would start accepting proposals to design, build, operate, and maintain a wireless network in each of New York's 227 subway stations. Bids will be accepted until October 12 for the 10-year license, which will have two optional five-year extensions. The winning carrier will have to pay for the installation of the wireless network, and they will be required to disable all calls at the authority's request. Cingular, Verizon Wireless, Sprint Nextel, and T-Mobile have all indicated they will submit proposals.