Vodafone and Virgin Media O2 have joined BAI Communications’ mobile network for London Underground.
This follows earlier deals with Three and EE to provide 4G connectivity and be ready for 5G for the Transport for London (TfL) train network.
BAI was awarded a 20-year concession by Transport for London (TfL) in June 2021 to deliver mobile connectivity on the Underground.
TfL said that work on delivering 4G coverage across the Tube network is well underway, following the transfer of the previous pilot section on the eastern end of the Jubilee line to BAI earlier this year. The next five stations to get coverage – Bank, Oxford Circus, Tottenham Court Road, Euston, and Camden Town – are scheduled to go live within the next six months.
Improving infrastructure
Mayor of London Sadiq Khan said: “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.”
BAI also has plans to invest in a full fibre network in London connected to buildings and street assets such as traffic lights and lampposts with small mobile transmitter cells.
