EE customers can now access 5G connectivity at three London Underground stations.
Travellers passing through Archway, Tufnell Park and Notting Hill Gate will benefit from high-speed mobile service.
EE reports that 5G coverage is available “from ticket hall to platform” at all three stations. Notting Hill Gate already has 5G within the tunnel section, while Archway and Tufnell Park will have tunnel coverage shortly.
Greg McCall, Chief Networks Officer at BT, said:
“We’re proud to bring 5G coverage to the London Underground for the first time, maintaining our position at the forefront of what is a hugely important and transformative project for the city.
It’s also a further demonstration of our ambition to deliver 5G connectivity anywhere in the UK by 2028, as we continue to make great progress in our efforts to build an unbeatable 5G network.”
These three stations were among the earliest to receive EE’s 4G rollout. The operator aims to extend mobile coverage across the entire Tube network by the end of 2024.
Theo Blackwell MBE, London’s Chief Digital Officer, commented:
“It’s great to see super high-speed 5G mobile connectivity now available at a number of Tube stations, proving that the state-of-the-art technology being installed across the network is already future-proofed and adaptable for the next generation of mobile signal.
The Mayor committed to Londoners that we would deliver 4G throughout the Tube network as part of his determination to build a better London for everyone and today marks the latest step forward as we work to improve digital connectivity at home, in our high streets, public spaces, and across the transport network.”
BAI Communications is leading the multi-carrier initiative to provide mobile connectivity across the Tube. BAI’s infrastructure links London Underground stations and tunnels to each other and to the wider network.
EE connects to BAI’s infrastructure using base stations from Nokia’s AirScale radio access portfolio.
Phil Siveter, CEO – UK & Ireland at Nokia, said:
“We are delighted to be selected as EE’s primary network provider for this important project that will provide premium 5G connectivity to commuters on the world-famous London Underground.
We have worked hand-in-hand with BT for over a quarter of a century and are proud to be their largest equipment and services provider.
The scope of this project will include providing coverage across tunnels, platforms and stations and is another important step forward in the digitalisation of the UK economy.”
Layering 5G’s speed and capacity onto the existing 4G network will improve passengers’ experience on the Tube, particularly during peak travel times.
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