Several companies have submitted bids to equip New York City’s subway system for mobile phone communication. The project went up for bids back in August of last year. Having the subway system wired will not provide significantly more revenue (most customers in the US do not pay per use) which limited the interest somewhat.

Cingular Wireless, Verizon Wireless, T-Mobile and Sprint Nextel all teamed up to submit a single bid. That’s surprising considering the MTA already mandated that the network would have to be shared among carriers (with compensation). Cingular will take the lead if their plan is chosen. Other bidders include GE Capital, Time Warner Cable, Andrew Corp., Transit Technologies and Dianet Communications.

Under the spec, 227 New York City subway stations would be wired… Not actually the trains and tunnels. That part may come later and would provide a real benefit for consumers.