Transport for London has made significant progress on delivering 4G Mobile coverage on the tube network following a trial on the Waterloo and City line.
The trial took place during the summer. The test saw 4G technology tested in the tunnels and the stations on the Waterloo and City line.
Once live, the increased technology will allow passengers to read emails, news and connect with people on Social Media, all for the first time!
Vodafone, O2, Three, and EE all participated in the design of the trial. Vodafone and O2 carried out the test within the tunnels outside out of customer hours.
All four major mobile network operators (Vodafone, O2, Three and EE) participated in the design of the trial, with Vodafone and O2 carrying out testing within the tunnels, which took place outside customer hours.
What did the officials say?
Graeme Craig, Director of Commercial Development at TfL, said ‘The success of this trial shows that we are on track to unlock one of the UK's most high profile not-spots and deliver 4G mobile coverage throughout our tunnels and Tube stations. This is great news for our customers and will also help us generate vital commercial income to reinvest in modernising and improving transport in London.'
Derek McManus, Chief Operating Officer of O2 said ‘The demand for ubiquitous, fast mobile connectivity is unquestionable. People expect to have connectivity wherever and whenever they are and, by increasing connectivity on the Tube, people will be able to get more out of their journey time. Trials such as these are vital in laying the foundations for customers, especially commuters, to have seamless connectivity on the go.'
Ker Anderson, Vodafone UK's Head of the London mobile network, said ‘We are delighted to have worked with Transport for London on this trial. Delivering 4G on the Tube will keep our customers connected while they are on the move. We have seen the usage of mobile data traffic increase by around 300 percent in London alone over two years. As a consequence, we continue to invest heavily in our network to offer Londoners, commuters and visitors with the strongest signal possible across the Capital, whether it's on the Waterloo & City line, the top of the Shard, Wembley Stadium, Trafalgar Square or Clapham Junction.'
