Cell service on the Red Line — where are we now?

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Subway riders have been commenting recently about unexpectedly having cell service underground beyond DTLA, so we thought it was time for a quick update.

Installation of cell service equipment for the Red Line has been completed, and the four main carriers — Verizon, Sprint, T-Mobile and AT&T — will be providing service between Union Station and Vermont/Sunset Station by the end of this year. Some of you may have noticed having cell service already as they have been testing equipment and signal strength.

In the works is cell service from Vermont/Sunset Station to North Hollywood Station for Sprint and Verizon users and service for Sprint and Verizon users on the Gold Line’s underground stations in Pasadena and in East Los Angeles.

Though cell service is now available along much of the Red Line, we still ask that riders first consider contacting the train operator via the emergency intercom in the event of an emergency before calling 9-1-1. Riders also can use the text feature on the Transit Watch app to report issues directly to law enforcement.

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14 replies ›

  1. It’s January 2 and as an AT&T user, I only have cell service on the entirety of the Purple Line and the Red until just north of Wilshire/Western. My commute is through the middle of the Red Line and it’s a dead zone.

  2. Hi can Rider applications like transit can be used since the cell service has started can Rider applications can be used

    • Hi Enrique — we don’t have wifi in subway, rather cell service. The signal should usually be sufficient enough for basic web browsing, including the use of apps.

      Steve Hymon
      Editor, The Source

    • You get full bars inside the tunnels, however when using location based apps you are out of luck in some apps. Apps like transit record your last known location so you can go ahead and move the “pin” as you go.

  3. I wish AT&T would do something about the dead section on the Gold Line from SW Museum to Heritage Square.

    • Verizon has a dead zone at SW Museum as well. I can always tell when I’m near SW Museum because my phone stops working.

      • I think it’s the short tunnel plus being up against the side of Mt. Washington that kills the signal there. Annoying when in mid-angry tweet.

        Steve Hymon
        Editor, The Source

        • The short tunnel I can understand, but the lack of service in the larger area suggests disinterest by the carriers in providing adequate service to that neighborhood.

  6. The app doesn’t have very good reviews. And impossible to use if there’s no reception.

    • Hi,

      At this time, service is estimated to become available for the entire line in the first half of next year.

      Thank you,

      Anna Chen
      Writer, The Source