Building a fully connected city: Boldyn Networks’ ubiquitous coverage across New York

New York City is a global leader in innovation—but for everything it has to offer, maintaining seamless communication across the city has come with its challenges. This includes roughly 25 percent of NYC’s households that lack internet access, a stark reminder of the digital inequality many face. Today, Boldyn Networks (Boldyn) is investing over $1 billion in critical digital infrastructure to help close this divide and bring New Yorkers and visitors alike a new era of connectivity that stretches below, above, and across the city.

This investment is designed to drive toward ubiquitous connectivity, bringing cutting-edge wireless communication to every corner of the city—from the streets and parks above ground to the complex network of tunnels below. With projects like the NYC subway expansion and LinkNYC, Boldyn is bridging the digital divide, making New York a fully connected smart city.

The transformation of NYC’s subway connectivity

One of Boldyn’s most transformative projects in the city is the expansion of cellular coverage across 418 miles of the subway system, serving over 3 million daily riders. The New York City subway is the vital backbone of the city, connecting all five boroughs and ensuring the smooth movement of millions of people. However, it has been challenging to connect many areas in the city, especially in the tunnels and underground stations.

We set out to change that. Alongside the MTA and our carrier partners, we recently achieved a significant milestone with the launch of full mobile communication service on the 42nd Street Shuttle Line. This line, which connects Grand Central and Times Square stations, serves over 36 million riders annually. For the first time, subway riders on this vital transit line will have uninterrupted cellular access underground, enabling them to stay connected for work, entertainment, and emergencies during their commute.

This milestone marks a new chapter in New York’s history of innovation. But seamless connectivity across the subway system is not just about convenience—it’s about safety, equity, and the future of urban transportation and ensuring the greatest city in the world is also the most connected.

Expanding coverage beyond the subway

Boldyn Networks’ commitment to connecting New York doesn’t just include underground infrastructure. The company is also responsible for the network expansion of LinkNYC, a groundbreaking initiative designed to bring free Wi-Fi, phone services, and digital access to public spaces across the city. Through the deployment of over 2,000 kiosks across all five boroughs, LinkNYC provides residents and visitors with access to vital city services, including free US calls, public service announcements, city maps, and 911 emergency access.

LinkNYC is more than just a digital kiosk—it’s a public service. We’re connecting people who may not have access to reliable cellular service, offering free access to city services and bridging the digital divide.

Each day, more than 1 million user sessions are recorded on LinkNYC kiosks, and over 25 million phone calls have been made since the network’s launch. The program provides a critical lifeline for communities across the city, with tens of thousands of calls to 911 and 311 made each year through the system.

A vision for a smarter, safer city

As the lines between physical infrastructure and digital infrastructure blur, Boldyn Networks is leading the charge in making cities like New York smarter, safer, and more efficient. The company’s investments in 5G, fiber networks, and public Wi-Fi are laying the groundwork for the city’s tech-forward future. The vision we have is not just for today’s New Yorkers, but for the next generation.

With innovations in AI and smart technology on the rise, the city needs a future-proofed digital infrastructure that can support the massive amounts of data that these technologies generate. Boldyn is making sure New York is ready for that future. The company has laid over 1,600 route miles of fiber and installed 5,000 small cell locations to increase coverage in every corner of the city.

Connectivity as a public safety initiative

While the convenience of ubiquitous Wi-Fi and cellular service is clear, Boldyn's infrastructure also plays a critical role in public safety. The improved communication networks in the subway system, for example, allow riders to access real-time information and contact emergency services quickly if needed.

Additionally, the LinkNYC kiosks serve as emergency lifelines, providing immediate access to 911 and public service announcements during emergencies. By ensuring that people can stay connected in every part of the city, Boldyn is enhancing the overall safety of New York’s residents and visitors.

The future of connectivity in NYC

Boldyn is committed to continuing its mission of making New York City the most connected city in the world. With ongoing investments in 5G, fiber, and public infrastructure, the company is not only transforming the city’s digital landscape today but also setting the stage for tomorrow.

As we continue to redefine what’s possible, one thing is certain: the future of New York City is fully connected and has never been brighter. Boldyn, alongside its carrier and MTA partners, is not just part of this transformation—it’s leading it. By investing in groundbreaking infrastructure today, we’re empowering the technologies of tomorrow, making New York a model city for years to come.