The New York Metropolitan Transit Authority is undertaking a major expansion of wireless and wi-fi service in New York subway stations. The MTA, in partnership with AT&T, T-Mobile, Sprint, Verizon Wireless and Royal Caribbean, will extend service to 11 new Manhattan stations and 29 stations in Queens by next spring, connecting a total 47 million riders monthly.

“Adding and improving wireless service at more subway stations provides a much-anticipated boost to riders’ experience in one of the world’s busiest and oldest subway systems, while offering an added level of security,” New York Governor Andrew Cuomo said in a news release. “A more stable network below ground ensures that riders and first responders can seamlessly communicate in events of emergency, which is essential in a system that carries millions of passengers every day.”

According to the Governor’s office, the new system will have enhanced E911 capabilities, which will allow emergency dispatchers to know whether a 911 call is being placed from above or below ground, and to approximate the location of the caller.

While the E911 cabalitiy is reassuring, most New York City commuters will probably be more excited about the free wi-fi. Sponsored by Royal Caribbean, the service will require subway riders to watch a short video advertisement from the cruise line before they get on the web. Royal Caribbean is currently preparing to unveil the world’s first “smartship,” the Quantum of the Seas.

“It was a natural fit for us to partner with the MTA,” Royal Caribbean International Vice President Jeff Dekorte said in a statement. “We are just 25 days away from bringing Quantum of the Seas to New York, a ship that is changing the game for connectivity at sea.”

There are a total of 277 underground subway stations in New York City. The plan is for them all of them to offer free wireless and Internet service by 2017.