TfL have announced a major expansion of internet services on the London Underground.
Large sections of the network have gained high-speed mobile coverage in recent months, with passengers using the Bakerloo, Metropolitan and Circle lines now able to stay connected for more of their journeys, including in the tunnels between stations.
Around 60% of underground Tube stations now have coverage, with the whole network set to be connected by the end of the year.
4G and 5G coverage has been introduced in the tunnelled sections on the Bakerloo line between Queen’s Park and Edgware Road, and on the Metropolitan line between Euston Square and King’s Cross St Pancras and between Barbican and Moorgate.
The Circle and District lines also now have coverage between Cannon Street and Monument, Sloane Square and Victoria, and Bayswater and Paddington.
Mobile coverage has also begun to be introduced at major stations including Paddington, Victoria and King’s Cross St Pancras, which will go live in phases focusing initially on ticket halls and platforms.
Three UK, EE, Vodafone, and Virgin Media O2 are all taking part in the rollout, with hundreds of engineers working through the night to deliver the project during the limited overnight engineering hours on the network.
It is expected that most of the Northern, Bakerloo and Metropolitan lines will have coverage in tunnels by the end of summer, with plans also in place to introduce coverage to underground sections of the DLR and the Windrush line between Highbury & Islington and New Cross.
Rebecca Bissell, Director of Information Technology at TfL, said that they intend to have 4G and 5G mobile coverage across the whole Tube network by the end of the year.
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.”
Boldyn Networks was awarded a 20-year concession by TfL in June 2021 to deliver high speed mobile connectivity across the entire London Underground network.
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