DETROIT — The Detroit-based gigabit internet and technology service provider Rocket Fiber will provide free wi-fi service on the QLine streetcars when they begin operations Friday, May 12, the companies announced.
The services include network-based technology to incorporate into the QLine main office at the Penske Technical Center and public wi-fi at the stations and trains.
The companies said Rocket Fiber won the deal after “an open competitive selection process.”
“Rocket Fiber’s solution of gigabit internet was a winner for both our QLine passengers and our team,” said Paul Childs, QLine COO. “We want to create a premium experience for all riders and that includes the ability to connect to wi-fi at QLine stations and aboard the streetcar.”
Internet will be available starting on Friday, May 12 to all QLine riders and within approximately 300 feet of each station.
Rocket Fiber’s newly developed fiber optic infrastructure and track-side radio system will deliver faster and more reliable internet that has virtually no capacity limitations, meaning the volume of passengers connected to the wi-fi on the cars will have little to no impact on the connection strength. The network is engineered to provide a highly reliable and continuous connected experience as the trains move from station to station.
“Our client service is what really sets Rocket Fiber apart as a technology partner,” said Mark Ansboury, vice president of infrastructure at Rocket Fiber and project lead for QLline deployment. “We wanted to go beyond the everyday internet service provider and create a socially supportive initiative for the city of Detroit that also provides a complete networking solution for QLine riders. As a home grown, dedicated Detroit technology partner, we are proud and excited to be a part of this historic project to bring mobility and connectivity to the city.”
Rocket Fiber’s system includes the design, build, operation and management of the network, including future maintenance and support, freeing the M-1 Rail team to focus on their core business of providing transportation in Detroit. Rocket Fiber is retaining Nerds Xpress, a local minority contractor, to manage the network at the Penske Technical Center.
Co-founded in 2014 by Marc Hudson, Edi Demaj and Randy Foster. Rocket Fiber is dedicated to advancing the internet experience for all with dependable, unrestrained connectivity and helpful, authentic client service. For more information, or to get Rocket Fiber service, visit http://www.rocketfiber.com.
M-1 Rail owns and operates the QLine, a 6.6-mile circulating streetcar loop serving 12 locations on Woodward Avenue in Detroit, from downtown through Midtown, the New Center and the North End. More at http://www.m1rail.org.
