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updated 10:20 AM UTC, Dec 13, 2023

TfL Gets Closer To Offering Full Mobile Coverage On The Tube

The Guardian / UK: Mobile phone calls on the London Underground could soon be possible under plans by the mayor and Transport for London.

Informal talks have been held with telecoms infrastructure companies and TfL is expected to invite bids in the weeks after the general election.

The London mayor, Sadiq Khan, believes the move will bring the capital into line with other major cities. Metro networks in cities including Paris, New York, Berlin and Seoul have the technology to allow phone calls – albeit mainly in wider tunnels nearer the surface.

Wifi was introduced in parts of the tube network before the London Olympics in 2012 but little progress has been made since then in improving connectivity. People can access the internet on the phone at many underground station platforms in London but there is no service in moving trains in the tunnels.

The plans are at early stage, with the cost of implementing the technology yet to be assessed, but it is understood that the goal is to provide 4G coverage throughout the tube system as soon as possible.

A TfL spokesperson said: “We are keen to offer full mobile phone coverage for our customers. The introduction of this would need to be commercially viable and would follow engagement with staff and customers.”

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