London Tube network to get full mobile coverage in 2022

All ticket halls, platforms and tunnels across London’s Tube network will soon have mobile coverage, with coverage on platforms and in tunnels on the Elizabeth line on track to go live next year

Transport for London (TfL) says the major step in improving the capital’s mobile connectivity was achieved by Three and EE joining the BAI Communications (BAI) network to provide 4G and 5G-ready mobile connectivity across the London Underground.

The deal between the two networks and BAI, which was awarded a 20-year concession with Transport for London (TfL) to deliver mobile connectivity on the Underground, will give customers on the networks access to uninterrupted coverage whilst on the Tube and within the stations.

The Tube is one of the world’s largest underground networks and providing uninterrupted mobile connectivity will allow customers to check the latest travel information, keep on top of their emails, catch up on social media, live stream videos or make calls wherever they are on the Underground.

All mobile operators will be able to access the London Underground WiFi, as well as BAI’s neutral host mobile network, which can also be made available to the Emergency Services Network (ESN). The infrastructure will also be 5G-ready, allowing upgrades in the future.

“I’m delighted to see Three and EE sign up as the first operators to provide full high-speed 4G access across the tube network. This will make a huge difference to passengers, allowing them to make calls, read emails and check travel information while on the move,” said Mayor of London, Sadiq Khan.

“Investing in London’s connectivity and digital infrastructure is one important way we are helping to stimulate our city’s economy. It also represents a significant step towards ensuring the whole Tube network has 5G-ready mobile coverage.”

Progress continues to be made to ensure that customers on the forthcoming Elizabeth line (also known as Crossrail) can enjoy mobile connectivity as soon as possible once it has opened in the first half of 2022.

Work is now underway to allow 4G connectivity to start being introduced for customers on both the trains and platforms during 2022.

From launch, customers will be able to benefit from WiFi connectivity within stations along the line in the same way they currently experience within Tube stations. WiFi access within the tunnels will be introduced later in 2022.