Toronto and Montreal both prepare to support wireless coverage in their subways… eventually

It's always a drag to get stuck underground and watch the network bars on your phone vanish (though some argue this respite from technology is desperately needed).

In Vancouver, most of the rapid tranist is above ground (it is called a SkyTrain, after all). But the original SkyTrain route, the Millenium Line, does run underground at a couple of points—and where it does, coverage disappears, not just in the tunnels but in the stations too.

The Canada Line, Vancouver's newer SkyTrain route running from Waterfront to the airport in Richmond, is a much improved version. On this line, even when in the most-underground stations (I'm looking at you, Yaletown Roundhouse!) I can use the internet uninterrupted.

However, Montreal and Toronto are older cities with older rapid transportation infrastructure. And they both use subways, which are entirely underground. Down there, the sun dont shine—and neither does the internet.

But this is 2011 and people are simply addicted to their mobile devices. It seems almost criminal to cut them off, doesn't it? That, or really healthy. Regardless, it looks like authorities want to add coverage to their underground transit systems.

The Toronto Transit Commission is expected to issue a contract in December to a wireless provider, enabling them to install cell reception in the transit stations and platforms. Stations that are far apart will still see a loss in coverage inside the tunnels, the TTC says, but for the most part, station reception will bleed into the tunnels enough to create a relatively smooth exprience. Either way, better than the current situation.

Unfortunately, there's no hard timeline on the project, so when this internet actually becomes available is still up in the air. But at least it's coming.

Not to be outdone, Montreal plans to install a wireless network in its subway by the end of 2013. Interestingly, Montreal is using a different approach: it's somehow managed to convince four telcos—Bell, Rogers, Telus, and Videotron—to form a consortium. There is no deal yet finalized, but progress looks likely. Delays and complications are certainly possible, particularly if all four telcos do end up working together as opposed to one or maybe two, but just like Toronto, it will happen. Eventually.