US wireless carriers are now bidding on being able to provide coverage inside of New York City’s subway system. The 10-year contract which covers 277 of the city’s 468 stations is expected to bring in $50-100 million. Bids by carriers are due by October second and so far all of the nation’s national carriers have expressed interest.

However, the plan notes that the winning carrier will be forced to allow competitors to use the subway network (though of course, for a fee). So no matter which company wins most people will have mobile phone access in the subway.

The contract will cover station platforms and mezzanines, pedestrian pathways between stations, and stairs, escalators and elevators. For now, service in subway tunnels is not planned.