• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
  • Skip to footer

MayorWatch

London News and Comment

  • NEWS
  • Twitter

Tube to get full mobile phone coverage from 2024

June 22, 2021 - Martin Hoscik@MayorWatch

Tube passengers will be able to use their mobile phones throughout their journey after Transport for London awarded a 20-year concession to BAI Communications to deliver full mobile coverage across the network.

Uninterrupted 4G mobile coverage is already available on the eastern half of the Jubilee line and will be expanded in phases to ticket halls, platforms and tunnels across the network over the next three years, with all areas and lines due to have full coverage by the end of 2024. 

The mobile network being delivered by BAI will be available for use by all mobile operators and will also be 5G ready, allowing for a seamless upgrade in the future.

Tube tunnels will also be used to provide full fibre connectivity across the city, which can then be connected to buildings.

In addition to benefiting customers, the concession will generate revenue for TfL across its 20-year length.

Mayor Sadiq Khan said: “I promised Londoners that if they re-elected me for a second term as Mayor I would deliver 4G throughout the Tube network. 

“It’s already up and running on the eastern half of the Jubilee line and I’m delighted to announced today that I am fulfilling that commitment and full internet access will be available across the Tube, with key central London stations such as Oxford Circus and Euston set to benefit before the end of next year.

“Protecting jobs and stimulating our city’s economy is a top priority for me as London rebuilds after this pandemic, and investing in London’s connectivity and digital infrastructure is central to this.” 

Shashi Verma, Chief Technology Officer at TfL, added: “London Underground was born in the 19th century, and this concession to deliver mobile coverage to the whole Tube network ensures it continues to adapt for customers in the 21st century.

“Providing mobile connectivity to customers within the tunnels and on platforms across London will help them stay connected more easily, and will both provide a long-term revenue stream for TfL and support economic growth across the city.”

Billy D’Arcy, CEO of BAI Communications UK, said: “Our long-term partnership with TfL will completely transform the passenger experience, as well as helping to boost London’s economy and providing social benefits for years to come.

“By building the most advanced network of its kind in the world here, we are helping London leapfrog other major cities in terms of connectivity and ensure that the capital remains the most attractive place for investment.”

  • Click to share on Twitter (Opens in new window)
  • Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window)
  • Click to share on Tumblr (Opens in new window)
  • Click to share on Pinterest (Opens in new window)
  • Click to share on LinkedIn (Opens in new window)
  • Click to share on Reddit (Opens in new window)
  • Click to print (Opens in new window)
  • Click to email this to a friend (Opens in new window)

RECENT UPDATES

Tube and rail users to benefit from Oyster weekly fares cap

Mayor and TfL call on ministers to help plug funding gap

TfL says Direct Vision Standard is already making HGVs safer for London road users

TfL secures £1bn in Govt funding but must make deep cuts and work on driverless Tube trains in return




POPULAR

City Hall to move to Docklands as Mayor seeks to raise £55m for frontline services

‘Concern’ over TfL’s ability to deliver major projects in wake of Crossrail cost overruns

City Hall halts London Overground ticket office closures but many will still see opening hours reduced

Transport for London confirms bus cuts will go ahead despite passenger opposition

GOT A STORY?

As the original London news and scrutiny site we've been casting an eye over the capital's public services and politicians since 1999.

 

Many of our top stories started with a tip-off from a reader - if you've got something you'd like us to cover get in touch and we'll do the rest.

Stay In Touch

  • E-mail
  • RSS
  • Twitter

Copyright © 2022 · Terms of Use · Privacy Policy

loading Cancel
Post was not sent - check your email addresses!
Email check failed, please try again
Sorry, your blog cannot share posts by email.