HeadlinesBriefing favicon HeadlinesBriefing.com

London Tube Achieves Full Mobile Coverage After Years of Delays

Financial Times Companies •
×

London's Underground is set to achieve full 4G or 5G coverage across all 121 subterranean stations and tunnels by the end of 2026, up from about 60 per cent in June. The project, led by Transport for London and Boldyn Networks, faced delays from an initial 2024 target but now aims to deliver comprehensive connectivity. Complications included narrow tunnels, nighttime-only work windows, and safety requirements for emergency services.

Over £1bn has been invested in the rollout, which began in 2022 and involves around 700 staff nightly across 20 locations. "You're talking about one of the most complex tube networks in the world because of the age and the [small tunnel] size," said Brendan O'Reilly, chief executive of Boldyn Networks. Commuter Naomi Rasooly welcomed the change, noting it allows her to catch up on messages during her commute. Analyst Bart Smallman called the completion a "positive step" for the city’s digital infrastructure.