I know that many Source readers have been clamoring for cell and/or wi-fi service in Metro’s subway stations — something that has become reality in a few other cities.

Metro is finally on the verge of asking potential contractors to bid on supplying service. There’s no guarantee it will happen — the numbers have to add up and the decision will ultimately be up to the Metro Board of Directors.

But here’s an update from Metro CEO Art Leahy’s daily email to staff from this past Friday:

Procurement will release a Request for Proposals (RFP) next week to procure Underground Cell Phone and Data Services. The procurement process blackout period is expected to run from December 20, 2011 to March 12, 2012. Metro does not currently have cell phone or data services available in its underground rail system. This competitive procurement seeks to provide such services at no cost to Metro through a neutral host provider (NHP) who will contract with the major carriers and share a portion of its gross revenue with Metro.