Hybrid Monster Lampposts Appear On Roosevelt Island Says Resident, Abomination On Main Street Says Another - They're Wireless Cell Antennas To Increase Roosevelt Island Verizon & T Mobile Wi-fi Connectivity

Some sort of hybrid monster lamppost has appeared on the #RooseveltIsland promenade😳 (@ Roosevelt Island Promenade in New York, NY) https://t.co/ry2savi5Fz pic.twitter.com/8UYGoHUqXo

— NamelyNorm (@NamelyNorm) December 19, 2018

Well, it's not really a hybrid monster lamppost but rather one of 22 wireless cell antennas placed upon Roosevelt Island lampposts to provide increased Roosevelt Island Wi-fi connectivity by Crown Castle International.

As reported last October 30:

... WIRELESS SMALL CELL ANTENNAS

Wireless device connectivity on Roosevelt Island is about to be vastly improved, and less congested, during the next few weeks.

Crown Castle International Corp., the nation’s largest provider of shared communications infrastructure, will be installing 22 unique small cell locations on the Island covering from north to south. The antennas and fiber-optic cable-based networking will provide coverage and capacity for up to four data/phone service carriers including Verizon

Small cells are important wireless infrastructure that increase capacity and connectivity for mobile devices. They are small, low-powered antennas that can be installed on light and utility poles, street signs, and even on rooftops. Crown Castle, under a 10-year licensing agreement, will be building and maintaining this fiber ring around Roosevelt Island to supply various locations with better connectivity.

As the Roosevelt Island community continues to grow, more residents, businesses, students and visitors are relying on wireless devices to connect to the Internet and communicate (more than 50 percent of all U.S. households rely only on wireless phones; and some 80 percent of all 911 calls are made from wireless devices). When too many people try to use their mobile devices, the network can become overloaded: calls drop or don’t connect.

Small cells, like the ones being installed around the Island, can and will relieve this wireless congestion....

Roosevelt Island Historical Society (RIHS) President Judy Berdy spotted this "hybrid monster lamppost" yesterday at Good Shepherd Plaza and does not like it.

The abomination on Main Street.

Today, this object appeared at the Chapel Plaza.

This is another example of RIOC's disregard for the cityscape, appearance, and necessity of an obtrusive object. Along with the "RI" letters at the Tram Plaza we now have the WI-FI tower smack dab in front of the Chapel Plaza. The Chapel is a landmark structure, but unfortunately the Plaza is not, which means inappropriate objects can be placed there.

I attended RIOC meetings where the installation was discussed and never saw a rendering by Crown Castle the contractor that was anywhere as obtrusive as this wifi tower

The RIOC staff hides the truth from the community and insults our cityscape with obtrusive installations.

The RIOC Grinch has stolen our Chapel Plaza from us, again.

According to this excerpt from Castle Crown's November 2017 presentation to the Roosevelt Island Operating Corp (RIOC) Board of Directors:

Pole attachments in the public right of way proposed in 23 unique locations (some of the pole attachments will be colocations):
     • 22 for T-Mobile
     • 21 for Verizon
     • 20 attachments are colocations with both Verizon and T-Mobile

All locations will feed back to a Hub location via fiber optic cable which will be located off of the Island for both Verizon and T-Mobile

1. License will enable Crown Castle to access the public right of way poles on Roosevelt Island
2. License is for a 10-year term with 3 – successive terms of 5-years.
3. Compensation for use of the poles to RIOC from Crown is $3,390.48 per location with an annual CPI adjustment.
4. Crown Castle is responsible for its own electrical utility charges.
5. Crown Castle will be building and maintaining a fiber ring around Roosevelt Island to supply the locations with connectivity.

Crown Castle will provide RIOC 4 strands of Dark Fiber along planned deployment route....

I asked RIOC today:

Are the new lampposts with WiFi connections the same design as renderings approved by RIOC?...

RIOC Public Information Officer Alonza Robertson replied:

Crown had worked with the Real Estate Committee prior to bringing the presentation to the full board at the December 2017 meeting.

The actual lampposts’ height and light fixtures’ height were adjusted at the behest of members of the committee; from 25 feet to 22 feet; and from 20 feet to 14.

The small boxes attached to the light poles, and the cell tower that encompass the light fixtures are the same.

The equipment attached to the wood telephone poles is larger than the renderings that were presented in November.

We have scheduled a meeting tomorrow with the company to discuss that.

Below is the presentation made by Crown Castle to the RIOC Board.

Crown Castle Roosevelt Island

Roosevelt Island Community Update From RIOC - Infrastructure Improvements Underway For Roads, Street Lights, Wireless Devices, Lighthouse Park Foot Bridges, Landscaping Upgrades & Sportspark Pool Temperature Fluctuations

According to the Roosevelt Island Operating Corp (RIOC):

Island’s Infrastructure Rebuild Gains More Momentum

ISLAND ROADS

Several critical areas of Roosevelt Island’s asphalt roads in need of repairs to cracks, potholes and collapsed drains are being addressed by our road contractor that has started milling work and will continue with paving, rolling and striping today, October 30 through Thursday, November 1, the Roosevelt Island Operating Corporation said Tuesday.

The identified areas include West Road, by the MTA Subway Station; Main Street, by the Community Garden and The Octagon entrance; and the NYC Health + Hospitals/Coler loop. Four crosswalks, located on Main Street by the shops and Chapel of the Good Shepherd are to be restriped next week as well. The work is being performed by Rosemar Construction Company, of Long Island, N.Y, which specializes in a range of commercial, municipal/industrial and residential road work services.

LIGHT FIXTURES

Some 108 light-head fixtures on Roosevelt Island have been repaired and retro-fitted in the past 90 days including the replacement of old inefficient, incandescent light bulbs around the Island and at Sportspark pool with new LED bulbs and the rewiring of corroded electrical panels including at the Chapel of the Good Shepherd.

The new LED bulbs - which are activated by photoelectric sensors and timers - use less energy and last up to 50,000 hours as compared to the incandescent bulbs that used more  electricity and only had a light life of 10,000.

RIOC maintenance staff and Ral-Bar Electric of Long Island City, N.Y. have completed most of the work.

RIOC staff will also be applying identification stickers on each light fixture to help streamline the process of identifying which fixtures are out or experiencing problems in the future. If you see a light out, you now can simply tell us its number. That work is expected to be completed by the end of November.

(Pictured in the photos is Luis Fernandez, a member of RIOC’s Facilities Maintenance Department).

WIRELESS SMALL CELL ANTENNAS

Wireless device connectivity on Roosevelt Island is about to be vastly improved, and less congested, during the next few weeks.

Crown Castle International Corp., the nation’s largest provider of shared communications infrastructure, will be installing 22 unique small cell locations on the Island covering from north to south. The antennas and fiber-optic cable-based networking will provide coverage and capacity for up to four data/phone service carriers including Verizon

Small cells are important wireless infrastructure that increase capacity and connectivity for mobile devices. They are small, low-powered antennas that can be installed on light and utility poles, street signs, and even on rooftops. Crown Castle, under a 10-year licensing agreement, will be building and maintaining this fiber ring around Roosevelt Island to supply various locations with better connectivity.

As the Roosevelt Island community continues to grow, more residents, businesses, students and visitors are relying on wireless devices to connect to the Internet and communicate (more than 50 percent of all U.S. households rely only on wireless phones; and some 80 percent of all 911 calls are made from wireless devices). When too many people try to use their mobile devices, the network can become overloaded: calls drop or don’t connect.

Small cells, like the ones being installed around the Island, can and will relieve this wireless congestion.

LIGHTHOUSE PARK

Roosevelt Island’s Lighthouse Park will soon be receiving some direly needed repairs. RIOC recently announced it has hired an architectural firm to design renovations to the two pedestrian footbridges in the area, adjacent pavement work, park landscaping upgrades and the creation of a salt riparian habitat as part of a natural floodable landscape adjacent to the Lighthouse tower. The Lighthouse tower is now closed off to visitors until that work is completed by next Spring.

SPORTSPARK POOL

In recent weeks, we’ve received a few complaints that the pool water at Sportspark is too cold, although our goal is to keep the temperature in the vicinity of 84 degrees which sometimes fluctuates + or – 2 degrees. From our regular maintenance checks, we’ve determined that Sportspark’s recently-installed boiler is working fine, so we are continuously monitoring the temperatures and sensors and will work with the contractor (who installed the boiler) to determine how we can prevent future temperature fluctuations. We will provide an update once we’ve resolved the situation.

If You See Something, or Have a Question About Something, That Needs Fixing

The Community Request Tracker system is a new feature on the Roosevelt Island Operating Corporation’s website. The system allows RIOC to track and address maintenance, grounds and facilities issues submitted by Island residents, businesses and organizations.

For non-emergencies during the week and weekend, Island residents should not call the Island’s Public Safety Department (PSD) but rather submit a FIX IT ticket (click the link provided or go to the “Report A Problem” icon at the homepage of rioc.ny.gov,) and the request is immediately routed to the correct department.

If you need help navigating the system, call Alonza Robertson, RIOC’s public information officer at 212.832.4540.

Residents can report problems involving animal control, electrical, Island infrastructure, parks and recreation: dead trees, garbage, grass or landscaping; facility cleanliness, field damage and transportation: Red Bus service or the Tram.

For emergencies, during the week and weekends – electrical outages, flooding etc. - residents should immediately call PSD, at 212.832.4545, and PSD will call the appropriate Roosevelt Island Operating Corporation department to respond.

Again, if you see something, that’s a non-emergency, say something to us directly via a ticket and not to PSD.

Below Ground Roosevelt Island Subway Station WiFi Service Out For A Week Is Back In Service - What Is The Best Above Ground Wireless Phone Service For Roosevelt Island?

UPDATE: Service outage at Roosevelt Island. We will provide a notification update when the problem is resolved.

— NYC Subway TWWiFi (@TWWiFi) June 24, 2017

A Roosevelt Island resident asked yesterday

I wanted to know if you've noticed or if anyone has mentioned the lack of cell phone service or WiFi signal at the RI subway station since Saturday, 6/24? I thought it might have been related to the work done over the weekend but it has continued through this week.

Keep up the great work on the blog - it's always my first/only source for island news.

I shared this tweet from NYC Subway TWWiFi

UPDATE: WiFi service @ Roosevelt Island (F) station still out while we perform maintenance. We will update you as soon as service resumes.

— NYC Subway TWWiFi (@TWWiFi) June 26, 2017

Later that day, Roosevelt Island F subway cellular service was restored

Blessed

— LJ Rader (@LJ_Rader) June 30, 2017

and residents are back using their phones at the subway platform.

Another resident asked about above ground wireless phone service for the Island - What's the best cell service for Roosevelt Island?

I've used @ATT for years. Service has been pretty good

— Roosevelt Islander (@Rooseveltisland) June 21, 2017

Thanks for the info!

— Mendee Morgan (@MendeeMorgan) June 21, 2017

Any suggestions?

Roosevelt Island F Train Subway Station WiFi Service Finally Arrives At End Of 2016

Reported in October 2015:

@Honeybee22274 @Rooseveltisland Roosevelt Island is in our final Phase of the project. Service can be expected in Spring 2017.

— Transit Wireless (@transitwireless) October 8, 2015

Well, wireless service has arrived at the Roosevelt Island F Train Subway station

platform.

 According to Roosevelt Island resident Volker Hage this afternoon:

Today I am writing this from somewhat 100 feet below you ...

WiFi is working from the Roosevelt Island Subway station.

More on NYC subway Wi-Fi service





from provider Transit Wireless.

When Will Roosevelt Island F Train Subway Station Get Wireless Wi Fi Service From Transit Wireless Asks Resident On Twitter - Spring 2017 Is The Answer

 Image From Transit Wireless

According to Transit Wireless:

Now 100 Manhattan and Queens underground stations have Transit Wireless WiFi. Transit Wireless WiFi will be available to all 279 underground stations by 2017. Each station will host and provide cellular services, too. Riders will be able to use Transit Wireless WiFi to stay connected underground through email, social media and apps....

The Roosevelt Island Twitterverse asks:

@transitwireless when will @Rooseveltisland come online for cell service? The F is so unreliable; need to be able to get alerts underground.

— Melissa A. Wade (@Honeybee22274) October 8, 2015

@transitwireless @Rooseveltisland boo.

— Melissa A. Wade (@Honeybee22274) October 8, 2015

@Rooseveltisland @Honeybee22274 Stations are set within specific phases as per our contract agreement with the @MTA

— Transit Wireless (@transitwireless) October 8, 2015

@transitwireless @Rooseveltisland which is awesome- I use it every day up & down 6th Ave, but the actual need on RI is pretty high. Thanks!

— Melissa A. Wade (@Honeybee22274) October 8, 2015

@Honeybee22274 @Rooseveltisland We hear you, we're trying our best to lit up the stations as fast and efficiently as possible.

— Transit Wireless (@transitwireless) October 8, 2015

@transitwireless @Rooseveltisland thank you, & thanks for engaging! If there is anything elected officials can do, we have great ones... :)

— Melissa A. Wade (@Honeybee22274) October 8, 2015

The Transit Wireless Wi Fi service is currently available at these F train stop near Roosevelt Island but not Roosevelt Island or Lexington/63rd street.

Jackson Hts. – Roosevelt Ave.

21st St. – Queensbridge

57th St. – 6th Ave.

47th – 50th Sts. – Rockefeller Center

42nd St. – Bryant Park

34th St. – Herald Square

23rd St. – 6th Ave.

14th St. – 6th Ave.

More on Wireless Transit NYC subway service.



Notice where the opening NYC scenes of Wireless Transit Video are taken from - The Roosevelt Island Tram.



2017 is a big year for Roosevelt Island. We're scheduled to get East River ferry service, opening of Cornell Tech campus and wireless wi-fi F train subway station service. And the new Roosevelt Island NY Public Library branch is scheduled to open in late 2017 or 2018.

What else is coming?

Expansion Of NYC Subway Wireless And Wifi Service Announced Today By Governor Cuomo - But When Will Roosevelt Island F Train Station Get Service?

 Image From Transitwirelesswifi

NY State Governor Andrew Cuomo today announced:

... the Metropolitan Transportation Authority and Transit Wireless’ completion of a major expansion of wireless and Wi-Fi service in subway stations, extending underground connectivity to 11 new Manhattan stations and 29 more in Queens, and connecting a total 47 million riders monthly. The completion of Phases I and II are part of seven phases to wire all 277 underground stations by 2017, and work has already begun to bring another 39 stations online by spring 2015.

"Adding and improving wireless service at more subway stations provides a much-anticipated boost to riders’ experience in one of the world’s busiest and oldest subway systems, while offering an added level of security," Governor Cuomo said. "A more stable network below ground ensures that riders and first responders can seamlessly communicate in events of emergency, which is essential in a system that carries millions of passengers every day."

Phase II of the wireless and Wi-Fi network build-out covers 29 underground stations in Queens and 11 in Manhattan, including major hubs such as the Jackson Heights/Roosevelt Avenue Station, Jamaica Center Station, Court Square Station, 42 Street Bryant Park Station, 34 Street Herald Square Station and Grand Central 42 Street Station. The first 36 Midtown Manhattan underground stations were connected just 18 months ago.

A full list of wireless-enabled subway stations to date can be viewed HERE.

Today’s announcement was made by the Metropolitan Transportation Authority and Transit Wireless at the Court Square Subway Station in Long Island City, Queens, with Transit Wireless’ partner wireless agencies, AT&T, T-Mobile, Sprint and Verizon Wireless, and also Royal Caribbean International, which is providing complementary Wi-Fi to riders.

Phase III of the project will include the Flushing Main Street Station in Queens, as well as stations in Lower Manhattan, West Harlem and Washington Heights. Major stations in Phase III include the Fulton Street Station, 125 Street Station and the new 34 Street 7 Station when it opens next year.

Metropolitan Transportation Authority Chairman Thomas F. Prendergast said, "Bringing wireless service into our subway system is the latest milestone in the Metropolitan Transportation Authority’s effort to use technology to improve the service we provide for our customers. Whether you’re checking your email, calling your kids or looking for emergency assistance, wireless service will bring the conveniences we’re used to above ground into the subway system."...

Here's full Press Release from Governor's office.

When will the Roosevelt Island F Train station get wireless and wifi enabled? Melissa Wade asked Transit Wireless:

@transitwireless pleasantly surprised to get service @ 21st St Queensbridge today! Is #RooseveltIsland coming soon???
— Melissa A. Wade (@Honeybee22274) October 16, 2014

Transit Wireless replied Roosevelt Island service in Fall of 2015:

@Honeybee22274 fall 2015 for roosevelt island #phase2launch #twwifilaunch
— Transit Wireless (@transitwireless) October 16, 2014

Here are the subway stations included in Phase 1 and 2.

No Roosevelt Island on the list - must wait, again.

How's Your Roosevelt Island Wireless Cell Phone Service - P3 Communication Measuring Vehicle Conducting Mobile Phone Testing Today On Roosevelt Island

Image of P3 Communications Mobile Phone Testing Measuring Vehicle

I noticed a P3 Communications mobile phone testing measuring vehicle on Roosevelt Island this afternoon. Was P3 Communications measuring the current level of wireless phone service on Roosevelt Island or something else? Maybe it had something to do with the wireless smart parking system. Not sure what they were doing but two people exited the van with handheld devices and started to walk north on Main Street. 

I have AT&T cell phone service for my IPhone and have not experienced any significant reception or data problems on Roosevelt Island. Will soon be upgrading to new IPhone so will have a choice between continuing with AT&T or switching to Verizon. How's your wireless phone service?