Three and EE have signed an agreement to join the BAI Communications (BAI) network to deliver continuous 4G coverage — and future 5G capability — across the London Underground.
Sadiq Khan, Mayor of London, said: “I’m delighted to see Three and EE sign up as the first operators to provide full high-speed 4G access across the Tube network. This will make a huge difference to passengers, allowing them to make calls, read emails and check travel information while on the move.
“Investing in London’s connectivity and digital infrastructure is one important way we are helping to stimulate our city’s economy. It also represents a significant step towards ensuring the whole Tube network has 5G-ready mobile coverage.”
Vodafone has indicated it plans to join the BAI network next month. A Vodafone spokesperson said: “We’re excited about bringing 4G to the London Underground after the successful trials of the last few years — negotiations have progressed well, and we expect to sign up with BAI next month.”
BAI was awarded a 20-year contract with Transport for London (TfL) in June to create multi-operator infrastructure that enables mobile networks to provide continuous coverage across stations and tunnels. The project is described as one of the largest and most advanced deployments of its kind worldwide.
Billy D’Arcy, CEO of BAI Communications UK, said:
“We are proud to be helping TfL and other customers develop connectivity solutions that positively impact how citizens live and work and contribute to smart city development.
Our extensive experience delivering large-scale connected infrastructure and networking solutions positions us to support mobile operators in delivering technological innovation and capitalising on the rapid commercial potential of 5G solutions and smart city applications.
The networks we design and build keep people and communities connected and engaged, as will be the result of TfL’s Connected London programme and BAI’s contribution to it.”
While customers of EE and Three will be the first to benefit from continuous mobile coverage, the London Underground’s Wi-Fi service will remain available to all passengers.
Dr Amy Hochadel, Director at Connected Places Catapult, commented: “Technology offers solutions to many of the challenges cities face today, and high-speed mobile connectivity is critical to ensuring that innovation can scale up to improve city planning, management, productivity and sustainability.
“This announcement is exciting for London. It accelerates the city’s smart-city progress and establishes a framework that should serve as a model for other global cities striving to be digitally inclusive and to improve residents’ quality of life.”
BAI has already started work at several of London’s busiest stations, including Oxford Circus, Tottenham Court Road, Bank, Euston and Camden Town. These locations are expected to be among the first to receive full coverage by the end of next year.
All stations and tunnels across the Tube network are scheduled to benefit from uninterrupted mobile coverage by the end of 2024.
Update: A statement from a Vodafone spokesperson about the operator’s plan to join the BAI network has been added.