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To: FastC6 who wrote (2943)	9/6/1999 5:33:00 PM
From: Diamondhead	Read Replies (1) \| Respond to of 3541

Portfolio \| San Francisco Index \| Silicon Valley Index \| Market Data New Cells Phone Links Possible BART, 2 companies in talks about transit tunnel service Michael Cabanatuan, Chronicle Staff Writer Friday, September 3, 1999 The day is coming when cellular phone users won't be able to blame BART's transbay tube, Berkeley hills tunnel or other nether regions of the system for failing to call home, answer a page from the boss or complete an important business call. At least two Bay Area cellular phone service providers are in negotiations with BART for the right to install antennas and wires in transit tunnels to make it possible for passengers to talk on their wireless phones nonstop while aboard BART. ``We are talking to them,' said BART spokesman Mike Healy, ``but there's no deal. They're just negotiations at this point.' The ability to chat underground -- and beneath the San Francisco Bay -- will undoubtedly be welcomed by many BART riders left out of touch in subterranean stations or when trains descend into tunnels. And it could be a boon to cellular companies able to advertise that their coverage areas include the transbay tube. BART regulars know to carefully time their cellular calls for above- ground stretches and to end them quickly before the train dips beneath the surface. ``My husband has faded out on me or just cut out altogether on BART,' said Christina Ball, waiting at the Walnut Creek station yesterday to pick up her spouse. ``The connection just isn't very good now.' BART is apparently talking with Sprint and Cellular One, though BART officials say the opportunity to wire the tunnels for cell-phone service will be open to anyone willing to pay. BART already leases space for cell-phone antennas at sites scattered throughout the district, as well as use of its fiber-optic network. ``We're leveraging our assets,' said BART spokesman Ron Rodriguez. ``Every dollar we raise through leasing our fiber-optics and right-of- way is a dollar that doesn't need to come from fares.' Cellular-service providers say they have not heard a hue and cry from BART riders angry at the lack of subterranean service, but they also acknowledge that they are always interested in increasing the number of places calls can be connected. ``It certainly falls in with our strategy of always looking for places were we can extend service,' Erin Eggleton, Cellular One spokeswoman, said. Allison Costa, Pacific Bell Wireless spokeswoman, said her company has received few calls requesting transbay tube service but suspects customers just never figured it was a possibility. ``It's never been an option before,' she said. ``I'm not sure many people realized it is something they could expect.' BART riders surveyed yesterday said the lack of subsurface cellular service was not a big problem. But they acknowledged that the ability to call from beneath the bay or the Berkeley hills could be convenient. ``It wouldn't hurt,' said Lance Braun, who just flew in from Milwaukee and was using his cell phone at the Walnut Creek BART station to call a friend for a ride. ``I would have been able to make a phone call on the train -- and my ride would be here.' But not everyone welcomed the idea of being surrounded by chatting cell-phone users throughout their BART rides. ``Even though I use a cell phone, I think it's overkill,' said Michael Mercado, an East Bay native now living in New York City. ``The only good reason I can think of making a call from the transbay tube is if you're stuck and you need to call your spouse or significant other.' There is no cellular service on the New York subways, Mercado says, and it is a welcome respite. ``It's annoying when, in a public place, someone uses their cell phone for a loud, long conversation,' he said. Get a printer-friendly version of this article Feedback ¸1999 San Francisco Chronicle Page A14

To: FastC6 who wrote (2943)	9/7/1999 7:28:00 AM
From: Brian P.	Respond to of 3541

Baloney. I've been reading this thread longer than 6 months. Sorry, your definition and my definition of "substantial" don't match.