IRT platform at 34th Street — Thursday, 2.14, 10:20 am. The failure of Manhattan’s IRT system to offer connectivity in all but a very few subway platforms is ludicrous but typical. The “comforts” (such as they are) of NYC’s transportation infrastructure have always lagged behind those offered by other big-league towns. Wifi-wise, this city is pretty close to a joke.

Taken on Paris metro car in May 2011, or nearly two years ago. Vibrant online air was rampant in every corner of the Paris underground rail system back then. Lightning fast. Four or five bars. Magnificent. Will this ever be the case in Manhattan, Brooklyn and Queens? Don’t hold your pizza breath.