Whole Tube network on track for mobile coverage by end of the year as further sections go live
- Around 60 per cent of Tube stations that are ‘underground’ now have coverage, with the whole network set to be connected by the end of the year
- More sections of the Bakerloo, Metropolitan and Circle line now have 4G and 5G mobile coverage – including in the tunnels between stations
- Vauxhall, Barbican and Gloucester Road stations now have coverage, with major stations like Paddington, Victoria and King’s Cross St Pancras also beginning to get coverage to platforms, ticket halls and interchanges
Customers on the Bakerloo, Metropolitan and Circle lines are now able stay connected for more of their journeys after further sections gained high-speed mobile coverage in recent months, Transport for London (TfL) and Boldyn Networks have announced. In total, around 60 per cent of stations that are ‘underground’ now have coverage, and work is on track to bring coverage to the whole network by the end of the year.
In recent weeks, coverage has been introduced in the tunnelled sections on the Bakerloo line between Queen’s Park and Edgware Road, plus on the Metropolitan line between Euston Square and King’s Cross St Pancras as well as between Barbican and Moorgate. The Circle and District lines have also gained coverage between Cannon Street and Monument, Sloane Square and Victoria, and Bayswater and Paddington.
All four major mobile network operators (Three UK, EE, Vodafone, and Virgin Media O2 (VMO2) are taking part in the rollout, as part of the Mayor and TfL's commitment to bring mobile connectivity to the whole of London's transport network. Having access to high-speed mobile coverage means customers can stay connected as they travel around the Tube to shop, meet friends or visit the city’s many theatres, restaurants and bars. It also means that they can access real-time service updates and plan their journeys while travelling using TfL Go, London’s official travel app.
The expanding coverage will also host the new Emergency Services Network (ESN) - which, when fully operational, will be able to give first responders immediate access to life-saving data, images and information in live situations and emergencies on the frontline.
As well as tunnelled sections, busy stations including Vauxhall, Temple, Nine Elms and Gloucester Road have all now gone live. Mobile coverage has also begun to be introduced at major stations like King's Cross St Pancras, Victoria and Paddington, which will go live in phases due to their size and complexity, focusing initially on ticket halls and platforms.
Hundreds of engineers are regularly working through the night to introduce mobile coverage to more sections of the Tube, delivering the project during the limited overnight engineering hours on the Tube network. The vast majority of the Northern, Bakerloo and Metropolitan lines will have coverage in the tunnels by the end of summer this year.
As well as delivering coverage on the Tube, TfL and Boldyn are also working to introduce coverage to sections of the Docklands Light Railway (DLR) that are under-ground, as well as the Windrush line between Highbury & Islington and New Cross.
Rebecca Bissell, Director of Information Technology at TfL, said: "We are delighted to be delivering more mobile coverage to our customers across our Tube network. Providing mobile coverage across our network means customers can stay better connected while they travel, allowing them to stay in contact with friends and family, shop online and keep up with the latest news and sports results. We remain focused on having 4G and 5G mobile coverage across the whole Tube network by the end of the year, and more than 600 engineers work hard overnight during limited engineering hours to help deliver this."
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.”
Nick Hudson, Chief Operating Officer for the UK at Boldyn Networks, said: “At Boldyn Networks we are proud to work with TfL to ensure operators can keep their millions of customers connected throughout their daily Tube journeys. Through this long-term public-private partnership, we’re delivering on our commitment to bring 4G and 5G coverage to every part of the London Underground – helping make London one of the best-connected cities in the world.”
Victoria Dell, Chief Executive Officer at PaddingtonNow Business Improvement District, said: “We welcome the continued rollout of 4G and 5G connectivity across the London Underground network, particularly the progress being made at Paddington station and on the lines that serve our district. For the thousands of people who travel to Paddington every day to work, visit, shop and do business, reliable mobile connectivity is increasingly essential. Improved coverage helps people stay connected, access real-time travel information, and make the most of their time while travelling.
“As one of London’s most important transport hubs, Paddington plays a vital role in connecting businesses, residents, and visitors. This investment in digital infrastructure will enhance the experience of everyone using the area and further strengthen Paddington’s position as a leading destination for business and innovation.”
Boldyn Networks, one of the world's leading neutral host network providers, was awarded a 20-year concession by TfL in June 2021 to deliver high speed mobile connectivity across the entire London Underground network. Boldyn is also committed to installing a fibre backbone across the capital to improve connectivity both above and below ground, bringing wide-reaching socio-economic benefits to local businesses and communities.
Alongside installing mobile coverage across the Tube, TfL and Boldyn are also working to install small-cell technology on TfL assets such as lighting columns, to enhance mobile connectivity in high-footfall urban areas. Some of the capital's busiest areas - such as King's Cross, Waterloo, London Bridge, Old Street, The Shard and Hyde Park Corner - are already benefiting from this work, which also underpins the Mayor's manifesto to improve digital connectivity in London that will help to increase innovation, productivity and growth.
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