Mayor of London Sadiq Khan has set out the next phase of the introduction of high speed mobile coverage across the Underground network as the first stations in the West End got 4G and 5G mobile coverage.
A short stretch of the Central line, between Oxford Circus and Tottenham Court Road, has been equipped with mobile networks in ticket halls, on escalators and platforms, following a roll out last month for Camden and Mornington Crescent stations.
In the coming weeks 4G and 5G will be installed on part of the Northern line at Euston, and in the following months it will be extended to other stations on the Northern, Central and Elizabeth lines.
In addition, initial testing will soon begin on the Bakerloo, Victoria and Piccadilly lines.
Transport for London said a significant proportion of the Underground network should have coverage by the end of next year, although there may be some sections where work will continue through 2025-26.
There are also plans to host the Emergency Services Network when it is ready for use.
Network participants
The work is being carried out by Boldyn Networks (previously BAI Communications) and all four mobile network operators – Three UK, EE, Vodafone and Virgin Media O2 – are taking part in the roll out, which has already delivered 4G on sections of the Jubilee, Northern and Central lines.
Andy Lord, London’s transport commissioner, said: “It’s great to see the first Tube stations in the West End getting high speed mobile coverage on their phones within the station, as part of the next stage of our project with Boldyn Networks to bring 4G and 5G to the whole Tube network.
“We are committed to delivering this programme which will allow customers to be more connected underground and get the latest travel information and news, as well as stay in contact with work, friends and families while travelling on our network.”
