Passengers on the London Underground will soon have uninterrupted 4G and 5G connectivity across the network, with all four UK mobile network operators (MNOs) committed to providing service across stations and tunnels.
Shashi Verma, Chief Technology Officer at Transport for London (TfL), said:
“Mobile connectivity across the stations and tunnels across the Tube network will help our customers stay connected more easily as well as work, shop and stay in touch on the move.
I’m delighted that all four major mobile operators are set to provide high-speed, uninterrupted 4G coverage on the Tube.”
EE and Three had already agreed to join the Tube-wide network operated by BAI Communications, and today Vodafone and Virgin Media O2 confirmed they will also sign on, ensuring coverage for customers of all four major operators.
Lutz Schüler, Chief Executive Officer at Virgin Media O2, commented:
“With our 5G network already reaching two-thirds of Londoners, this investment will bring next-generation mobile connectivity deep underground for the first time ever, giving our customers a seamless service while on the move.
We’ve already invested hundreds of millions of pounds in the capital to expand and upgrade our fixed and mobile networks which has accelerated London’s transformation into a cutting-edge digital hub, fuelling growth and connecting communities to gigabit services.”
BAI Communications has been rolling out the network in phases. After transferring the pilot section at the eastern end of the Jubilee line to BAI earlier this year, the next five stations — Bank, Oxford Circus, Tottenham Court Road, Euston, and Camden Town — are scheduled to go live within the next six months.
Billy D’Arcy, CEO of BAI Communications UK, said:
“We’re delighted to welcome Vodafone and Virgin Media O2 to our network and to reach another key milestone in our work to build a backbone of connectivity across the capital.
Staying connected is more important than ever, and we are proud to be working with our partners to offer 5G-ready connectivity which will transform the way people move and work in the capital, allowing them to travel more smartly, safely and securely.”
TfL awarded BAI a 20-year concession in June 2021 to deliver continuous mobile coverage across the Tube. The scheme supports both passenger connectivity and operational needs, and will also integrate the Emergency Services Network (ESN) so first responders can access vital data, images, and communications instantly during incidents.
Sadiq Khan, Mayor of London, added:
“Improving the capital’s connectivity and digital infrastructure is central to London’s economic recovery from the pandemic, so I am delighted that Vodafone and Virgin Media O2 customers will now have access to high-speed mobile coverage when travelling on the Tube.
I committed to Londoners that I would deliver 4G throughout the Tube network as part of my determination to build a better London for everyone – and I have no doubt that this will transform journeys for millions of passengers.”
Some sections of the underground network are planned to be active by summer 2023, including tunnels and stations through the City and the West End. TfL and BAI are also progressing mobile coverage across the central section of the Elizabeth line between Paddington and Abbey Wood.
This deployment is expected to improve the passenger experience by enabling reliable voice, messaging, browsing, and streaming underground, and to support London’s wider digital infrastructure as the city advances as a modern, connected capital.
(Photo by Will H McMahan on Unsplash)
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