High-speed mobile coverage has arrived in the West End of London, with the Central line between Oxford Circus and Tottenham Court Road now providing 4G and 5G connectivity.
The rollout is part of a wider project to bring mobile coverage to all of the Tube network's underground stations by the end of 2024. By then, around 80% of stations will have 4G and 5G, allowing passengers to stay connected while travelling.
The Mayor of London, Sadiq Khan, said: "I am delighted to see the promise I made of delivering 4G and 5G across the London Underground continuing to progress."
He added: "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."
The project is being implemented by Boldyn Networks, one of the world's leading neutral host network provider with around 500 people are working overnight across the Tube network to install mobile equipment. Once fully delivered, more than 2,000 kilometres of cabling as well as thousands of radios will be installed within tunnels and stations.
The rollout of mobile coverage is being welcomed by businesses and tourists in the West End. 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."
She added: "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."
The introduction of mobile coverage on the Tube is also expected to be a boon for first responders. The Emergency Services Network (ESN) will be hosted on the new network, giving first responders immediate access to life-saving data, images and information in live situations and emergencies on the frontline.
The rollout to Oxford Circus and Tottenham Court Road follows Camden Town and Mornington Crescent stations getting high-speed mobile coverage last month. Customers using the Charing Cross branch of the Northern line at Euston station will also get 4G and 5G coverage in the coming weeks – benefitting those arriving to the city from Liverpool, Manchester, Milton Keynes and Crewe who then change to the Tube to complete their journey.
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.
Progress on the project has been quicker than expected and TfL and Boldyn have agreed a deal to extend mobile coverage to the Docklands Light Railway and London Overground between Highbury and New Cross.
Photo Credit: TfL and iStock
