AP Article on it:
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By CHEVETTA GILMORE
Associated Press Writer
WASHINGTON - Warning that public transit is a "prime target for terrorists," Mayor Anthony A. Williams on Wednesday announced the expansion of a wireless network to the city's Metrorail tunnels.
Four years ago, District of Columbia firefighters' handheld radios were not working as they tried to rescue trapped subway passengers during a tunnel fire. City officials said D.C. area radios now have more reach than those in many other major metropolitan areas.
"From the sarin attacks in Tokyo's subways in 1995 to the recent tragedy in Madrid, we understand the need for direct communication throughout our city, both above and below ground," said Williams.
Williams demonstrated the system at a news conference as he contacted Fire Department cadets at several subway stations. All said they could hear the mayor clearly.
The new underground system interfaces with the surface wireless network completed in September. City officials said the underground network is now being used by D.C. firefighters and emergency medical personnel.
The new system operates at the public safety industry standard level at which speech is understandable with only minor distortion, rarely requiring repetition of messages.
Fire officials have said before the system changes, radios would only work in tunnels if one firefighter was close enough to see another, and the messages would not reach the surface.
City officials said Congress provided critical financial support for the underground system, with an allocation of $45.5 million that helped complete the upgrade.
