A new interactive map highlights the areas with the worst mobile phone connectivity in London. Published by the Mayor of London and City Hall, the map shows where it may take longer to upload, download, and stay connected.
How the map works
The map allows users to compare metrics like latency by ward, borough, or on a cellular level, and shows how download and upload speeds vary across the capital. Latency is the reaction time of an internet connection, with high latency meaning a long lag when using the internet. There is also an option to see how connectivity varies between operators.
Wards such as Chislehurst, Darwin, and Brimsdown all showed higher latency in the east of London, meaning slower mobile connectivity. Alexandra Park suffered from slow internet in north London, and West Putney had one of the highest latencies in west London.
Connected London programme
The map is part of the Mayor's Connected London programme, which has worked since 2017 to improve access to fibre broadband, mobile connectivity, and public WiFi. Some £30 million was invested into upgrading public assets from copper to fibre, for example at libraries and in CCTV columns.
Efforts have also been made to improve 4G and 5G coverage across the London Underground network. Coverage across the Tube network has already reached 70% and is on track to be completed by the end of the year. Despite these milestones, London is still falling behind other major world cities when it comes to mobile phone reception.
Bottlenecks and future plans
There are also a number of “bottlenecks” across the city’s mobile data network, particularly around Tube and railway stations, due to capacity constraints.
Lord Khan said: “Reliable mobile signal is essential to everyday life in London, whether you’re working, running a business or keeping in touch with family and friends. Although huge progress has been made, many Londoners still experience frustrating gaps in service.
“This new evidence and map will help us understand where improvements are needed and work with boroughs and mobile operators to deliver better connectivity, building a fairer and more prosperous London for everyone.”
Theo Blackwell MBE, Chief Digital Officer for London, said: "London is a thriving global city and it is essential that our digital infrastructure can support our needs, now and in the future.
“We’ve developed a range of practical tools to support better digital infrastructure - and mobile connectivity has improved immensely thanks to the work of the Mayor’s Connected London programme.
“However, there is still more to do. Understanding the quality of mobile signals has been too opaque for too long. These groundbreaking new tools will provide us with an in-depth look at the connectivity challenges we’re facing across London, giving us the evidence we need to target investment in the right areas and improve digital connectivity for Londoners.”
