High-speed mobile coverage across the Tube network has taken a step forward as the first stations in the West End now have 4G and 5G mobile coverage.
4G and 5G coverage has been extended to the Central line between Oxford Circus and Tottenham Court Road in the ticket hall, on escalators, and on Central line platforms, as well as Northern line platforms at Tottenham Court Road. Last month, Camden Town and Mornington Crescent stations switched on to high-speed mobile coverage.
All four mobile network operators – Three UK, EE, Vodafone, and Virgin Media O2 – are taking part in the rollout, having already delivered 4G on parts of the Jubilee, Northern, and Central lines. The Charing Cross branch of the Northern line at Euston Station will be included in the coming weeks, and by the end of this year, mobile coverage will have been rolled out to 33 more stations increasing to over 40 stations by next spring.
The rollout is being delivered by Boldyn Networks (formerly BAI Communications). As well as 4G and 5G, the network will also host the new Emergency Services Network (ESN) that will provide first responders with immediate access to life-saving data, image,s and information in live situations and emergencies on the frontline.
In the coming months, mobile coverage will be extended to more stations along the Northern and Central lines including Goodge Street, Chancery Lane, and Bank, whilst the first sections of the southern end of the Northern line will go live next summer.
The first stations on the Elizabeth line to receive high-speed mobile coverage will be Bond Street, Tottenham Court Road, Farringdon and Liverpool Street, and these will be live by the end of this year, and all stations and tunnelled sections will get 4G coverage by the end of next spring .
In the coming months, coverage on the Jubilee line will be upgraded to 5G, making it available at Canary Wharf and North Greenwich, for the first time. A deal has also been agreed to extend mobile coverage to the Docklands Light Railway and London Overground between Highbury & Islington and New Cross.
Transport for London expects around 80 per cent of stations on the Tube network, and the Elizabeth Line, will have mobile coverage by the end of next year.
To find out more information about the rollout of 4G and 5G go to tfl.gov.uk/get-online
Sadiq Khan, the Mayor of London, said: I am delighted to see the promise I made of delivering 4G and 5G across the London Underground continuing to progress, with West End hubs Oxford Circus and Tottenham Court Road joining an ever-growing network of line and stations with full connectivity.
“This means Londoners and visitors can now access the latest travel information or social media, check their emails, make calls, and stream videos whilst on the move underground. Growing numbers of underground Tube stations now have 4G and 5G services, with many more to come as we continue to build a better London for everyone.”
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. More stations, including the first Elizabeth line stations, will be connected in the coming months and we remain committed to having a significant proportion of the entire Tube network connected by the end of 2024.
Billy D Arcy, CEO of Boldyn Networks in UK&I, said: We are incredibly proud of the successful launch of high-speed mobile coverage at London's first West End Tube stations. This achievement is a testament to the hard work and dedication of our team and our valued partners, the Mayor of London and TfL. We are excited to bring cutting-edge 4G and 5G connectivity to the entire Tube network, empowering millions of commuters and tourists to stay connected while travelling through these iconic stations.
“We look forward to continuing to bring mobile coverage to even more stations, making a lasting impact on the way people experience public transport in the capital.”
Dee Corsi, Chief Executive of the New West End Company said: In today s world an uninterrupted connection is an expected part of any visitor experience. It is great to see that even more visitors travelling here on the Tube network will now be able to plan their trip whilst on route, and then jump onto our super-fast, free street Wi-Fi on arrival. The younger shopper in particular is taking full advantage of our West End street Wi-Fi to save using their own data.”
And with more money to be spent on adding 4G and 5G at most London’s tube stations. With many people having 4G & 5G on their Android phones, iPhones, Tablets, iPads and Laptops.