Transport for Rail (TfL) is continuing its mobile connectivity programme as it announces that Camden Town tube station has now got 4G and 5G mobile signal.
They also confirmed that Mornington Crescent, Kentish Town will be connected to the mobile network in the coming weeks with a larger project to connect the lines between Oxford Circus and Tottenham Court Road – two of the busiest tube stations, this summer.
With Camden Town station now receiving mobile signal, means that 10% of the stations with platforms underground now have mobile connectivity.
TfL’s wider Telecommunications Commercialisation Project will mean that the tube network will deliver a digital communications infrastructure including a huge amount of cellular and fibre optic installations.
In order to achieve this, it’ll mean 137 stations and 400km of track will need to be fitted with new equipment including (RF) antennas which will then connect with cabinets that turn the RF signals into optical light. The light will be converted at data centres back into RF signals and become part of the normal cellular traffic.
TfL has been working with the four main mobile networks – o2 Virgin Media, EE, Three UK and Vodafone alongside contractor BAI Communications on the ambitious project.
TfL's chief technology officer, Shashi Verma said of the project: 'We're pleased that customers at Camden Town station can now get 4G and 5G on their phones within the station, as part of the next stage of our project with BAI Communications to bring high-speed mobile coverage to the whole Tube network”
“With Mornington Crescent station soon to follow in the coming weeks, this increased connectivity will allow customers to get the latest travel information, access social media, check their emails, make calls, and stream videos while passing through these stations.”
Sadiq Khan, the Mayor of London, said:
'I am delighted to see the promise I made of delivering 4G across the London Underground continuing to progress, with Camden Town joining an ever growing network of line and stations with full connectivity.”
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