Boston officials have signed a contract to install wireless service in subways. Partnering with InSite Wireless to install the equipment, the 15-year contract provides wireless service at the Park Street, Downtown Crossing, Government Center and State Street stations as well as the tunnels that connect them.

The stations are within a half-mile radius and among the busiest in the system.

"This will be a new convenience for our customers," said Michael Mulhern, Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority general manager. "And it will be a benefit to safety and security, so we're excited about it."

With the added benefit of providing anti-terrorism measures, Daniel A. Grabauskas, the state secretary of transportation and chairman of the MBTA board, said "passengers will have increased ability to report safety issues to the appropriate personnel."