Navigating London is set to become a far more connected experience for millions, as a major project to blanket the capital's Underground network with high-speed mobile coverage accelerates. The initiative, a cornerstone of Mayor Sadiq Khan's strategy to boost London's digital infrastructure, aims to foster innovation, productivity and growth by ensuring passengers can stay online from platform to platform.
A Billion-Pound Digital Transformation
With an estimated price tag of £1 billion, the ambitious roll-out is on track for completion by the end of 2024. To minimise disruption, squads of up to 400 engineers are regularly working overnight to install the necessary technology across the sprawling network. This will finally allow commuters and visitors to stream video, access live travel updates and use social media seamlessly while travelling beneath the city.
Transport for London (TfL) confirmed this week that the project is expanding, with sections of the Circle and District lines poised to receive coverage for the very first time. The project has already passed the halfway mark, with 63 out of 121 Underground stations and their connecting tunnels now live with fast connections.
Which Stations and Lines Are Next?
Passengers on the brand-new Elizabeth line already enjoy high-speed access, as do those at stations like Euston Square, Cannon Street and Battersea Power Station. The focus is now shifting to some of the network's busiest hubs.
In the coming months, the major Eurostar interchange at King's Cross St Pancras will come online, alongside Gloucester Road, Warwick Avenue and Vauxhall. The goal is to have super-fast coverage accessible across the entire Underground network by the end of this year.
However, travellers on the Northern and Metropolitan lines will need to wait a bit longer, with their subterranean connection expected by the end of the summer. The network infrastructure is being provided by technology firm Boldyn Networks (formerly BAI Communications), with all three major UK mobile operators—Virgin Media O2, Vodafone and EE—able to offer the service to their customers for a fee.
Catching Up with Global Peers
This upgrade addresses a notable gap in London's offering compared to other world cities. For years, Tokyo has provided extensive free Wi-Fi at major stations, while New York and Paris have been steadily improving high-speed coverage on their metro systems. London's investment is a significant step towards matching these global standards for digital connectivity in public transport.
New Tourist Levy on the Horizon
Alongside the digital push, visitors to London should be aware of another impending change. The capital is preparing to introduce a new tourist tax on overnight stays, which could generate over £350 million annually. Mayor Sadiq Khan, who received powers to levy the charge last year, stated it would directly support the city's economy and reinforce its status as a top global destination.
Enabled by changes in the Autumn Budget 2025, the levy will apply to accommodations including hotels, B&Bs, and holiday lets. This move brings England in line with the rest of the UK and international cities like Paris, New York, and Milan, where such fees are long-established.
Together, these developments signal a period of significant modernisation for London, aiming to enhance both the practical experience for daily users and its competitive edge as a world-leading city for tourism and business.
