Connected London

We are improving digital connectivity to drive the next wave of innovation and growth in London. By using our unique position and assets to create ambitious telecoms services, we can ensure that London remains the place where the world wants to work, live, study and visit.

Telecoms concession goes to Boldyn Networks

We've awarded a 20-year telecoms concession to Boldyn Networks (formerly BAI Communications).

All 4 major mobile operators - Three Mobile, EE, Vodafone and VMO2 - have signed up to bring high-speed 4G and 5G mobile connectivity across the Tube, including in the tunnels.

Work on delivering 4G and 5G-ready coverage across the Tube network is well underway on the Jubilee line, Northern line and Central line. Currently more than 10% of Tube stations (18 out of 121 stations) with platforms that are underground, and therefore usually unable to get a mobile signal, now have 4G and 5G mobile coverage.

The mobile network will also host the new Emergency Services Network (ESN). This will give first responders immediate access to life-saving data, images and information in live situations and emergencies on the frontline.

By the end of 2024, Tube customers will be able to access 4G and 5G mobile connectivity and the internet across a significant proportion of the Tube network (80% or 215-220 out of 272 Tube stations) as well as the Elizabeth line. This investment will remove one of the most high-profile mobile 'not-spots' in the UK.

Adding to fibre connectivity

London's Tube tunnels will host a new high-capacity fibre optic network across London which will be used to provide full fibre connectivity across the city. Our Tube stations will be the connectivity hubs and our street assets such as lighting columns and bus stops will host a network of small mobile transmitters which will bring city-wide connectivity improvement and ready London for 5G.

The new high-capacity fibre network will take fibre directly into London's neighbourhoods, creating new opportunities for commercial and domestic usage with gigabit-capable speeds that will support digital inclusion and future growth.

More than 2,000km of cabling will be installed on the network, all of which will be fitted outside of operating hours. In addition to benefitting customers, the network will host the Home Office's new Emergency Service Network used by the Police, Fire and emergency response services.

The partnership with Boldyn Networks (formerly BAI Communications) will also generate additional revenue for TfL across the 20-year lifespan of the contract and help our operations teams.

Read about Vodafone and Virgin Media O2 joining BAI's 4G and 5G service.

Three and EE have signed up to provide 4G across the London Underground network.

Read BAI's press release on the new Jubilee line PCN 4G Service.

Commercial mobile services

The Jubilee line 4G commercial mobile service runs from Westminster to Canning Town on platforms and connecting tunnels.  

On the Central line, there is 5G and 4G mobile coverage in stations and connecting tunnels between Queensway, Notting Hill Gate and Holland Park.

On the Northern line, there is 5G and 4G coverage in stations between Archway and Euston station, Goodge Street station and Belsize Park station. It's also available in tunnels between both Archway to Euston, Tottenham Court Road to Goodge Street and Chalk Farm to Camden.

The journey between Oxford Circus and Tottenham Court Road station has 4G and 5G connectivity along with Northern line Platforms at Tottenham Court Road.

EE, Three, Vodafone and VMO2 customers can connect to the service.  

The service allows customers to check the latest travel information, catch up on social media and read their emails and the latest news uninterrupted as part of their journey.https://tfl.gov.uk/campaign/station-wifi

See the Mobile Coverage Tube map.

Read the press release on the next phase of 4G and 5G across the Tube network.

 

"It's great that we have begun to introduce 4G mobile coverage to more stations, meaning that around 10% of our stations that are underground will shortly be connected. I'm very proud of the teams across TfL that are working together to deliver this for London."
Shashi Verma
Chief Technology Officer

How to connect

Your phone should automatically connect to the mobile connectivity signal as if you were above ground.

Customers of EE, Three Mobile; Vodafone & VMO2 can still connect to the London Underground public Wi-Fi system.

Two people sit on a bench underground looking at a phone

Current Wi-Fi services

We still host customer Wi-Fi across more than 260 Tube stations and all London Overground stations except for Emerson Park and Haggerston. Wi-Fi is available in the ticket halls, passenger corridors and platforms of these Tube stations and in the ticket halls and passages of the Overground stations.

The new Elizabeth Line stations at Farringdon, Tottenham Court Road, Woolwich, Canary Wharf, Paddington, Whitechapel, Custom House, Bond Street and Liverpool Street all have Wi-Fi.

Public Wi-Fi will still be available to customers as part of Connected London.

See more about our current Wi-Fi service on the Mobile phones and Wi-Fi Underground page.