Millions of business commuters will soon be able to enjoy 4G mobile internet at five major London Tube stations thanks to a partnership between all major mobile providers, Mayor of London Sadiq Khan has confirmed.
Losing connectivity and going off-grid while commuting to work or between meetings on the London Underground is a scenario all too common in the UK capital. However, commuters are set to be given internet access across the underground, as Vodafone and Virgin Media O2 join the BAI Communications network.
The new agreement means customers of all the major mobile providers in the UK – Three, EE, Vodafone, and Virgin Media O2 – will be able to access 4G and 5G networks across the Tube.
Work is already underway to deliver mobile data coverage and the next five stations set to go online are Bank, Oxford Circus, Tottenham Court Road, Euston, and Camden Town. This is expected to be achieved within the next six months.
The current timeline for the entirety of the Underground network to receive coverage is a little longer, however, BAI has said that by summer 2023, several new sections of the Tube network will have mobile data access.
“Improving the capital’s connectivity and digital infrastructure is central to London’s economic recovery from the pandemic, so I am delighted that Vodafone and Virgin Media O2 customers will now have access to high-speed mobile coverage when travelling on the Tube,” said Sadiq Khan.
“I committed to Londoners that I would deliver 4G throughout the Tube network as part of my determination to build a better London for everyone – and I have no doubt that this will transform journeys for millions of passengers.”
Transport for London (TFL) first awarded Telecomm company BAI a 20-year concession to deliver mobile connectivity on the Underground in June 2021.
“We’re delighted to welcome Vodafone and Virgin Media O2 to our network and to reach another key milestone in our work to build a backbone of connectivity across the capital,” said Billy D’Arcy, CEO of BAI Communications UK.
“Staying connected is more important than ever, and we are proud to be working with our partners to offer 5G-ready connectivity which will transform the way people move and work in the capital, allowing them to travel more smartly, safely and securely.”