Transport for London (TfL) has announced a significant expansion of internet services on the London Underground, bringing high-speed mobile coverage to more stations and tunnels.
Expansion Details
Around 60% of underground Tube stations now have mobile coverage, with the entire network expected to be connected by the end of the year. Recent additions include the Bakerloo, Metropolitan, and Circle lines, allowing passengers to stay connected for longer portions of their journeys, including in tunnels between stations.
4G and 5G coverage has been introduced in tunnelled sections on the Bakerloo line between Queen’s Park and Edgware Road, on the Metropolitan line between Euston Square and King’s Cross St Pancras, and between Barbican and Moorgate. The Circle and District lines now have coverage between Cannon Street and Monument, Sloane Square and Victoria, and Bayswater and Paddington.
Station Rollout
Mobile coverage is also being introduced at major stations including Paddington, Victoria, and King’s Cross St Pancras, rolling out in phases starting with ticket halls and platforms.
Network Providers
Three UK, EE, Vodafone, and Virgin Media O2 are participating in the rollout. Hundreds of engineers work overnight during limited engineering hours to deliver the project. Most of the Northern, Bakerloo, and Metropolitan lines are expected to have tunnel coverage by the end of summer, with plans to extend coverage to underground sections of the DLR and the Windrush line between Highbury & Islington and New Cross.
Official Comments
Rebecca Bissell, Director of Information Technology at TfL, stated that the goal is to have 4G and 5G coverage across the entire Tube network by the end of the year. Seb Dance, Deputy Mayor of London for Transport, said: “It’s brilliant to see this continued progress on the Mayor’s promise of delivering 4G and 5G across the London Underground, with more mobile coverage for passengers across an ever-growing network of lines and stations. In an increasingly digital world, we’re committed to ensuring that all Londoners and visitors have the connections they need - even whilst on the move - as we build a better London for everyone.”
Background
Boldyn Networks was awarded a 20-year concession by TfL in June 2021 to deliver high-speed mobile connectivity across the entire London Underground network. TfL and Boldyn are also installing small-cell technology on TfL assets such as lighting columns to enhance mobile connectivity in high-footfall urban areas. Locations like King's Cross, Waterloo, London Bridge, Old Street, The Shard, and Hyde Park Corner have already benefited from some installations.
