TTC ending free public Wi-Fi service in subway stations at end of the year – Toronto [Video]

The Toronto Transit Commission is ending free public Wi-Fi at its subway stations at the end of the year, citing a steep drop in rider usage along with reliability, security and cost concerns.

The decision, first reported by the Toronto Star, comes as Rogers Communications Inc. continues its installation of 5G cellular service throughout the subway network, enabling passengers to call, text or browse the internet using their data.

TTC spokesman Stuart Green said the transit agency has seen a 65 per cent drop in use of the TConnect Wi-Fi system since 5G connectivity for all carriers was introduced. He added there are “concerns about the age of the technology and infrastructure” related to performance and security.

“When comparing subway trips to total logins, we know TConnect is only being used on two per cent of trips,” Green said in an email.

“We continue to work with Rogers to get the …