TfL to bring 4G to tube after testing success

Travellers on London transport services could be able to access 4G mobile broadband whether above or below ground in just a few years, following Transport for London (TfL)’s announcement that it would build a system-wide network.

Following a successful pilot scheme, which saw TfL create a 4G network for emergency calls on the Waterloo & City line during summer 2017, the transport agency is pressing on with plans to roll out mobile broadband for all London underground travellers following a tender for a network in early 2018.

Though the line is London’s shortest, serving mainly as a shuttle between Waterloo station and Bank station in the city, the pilot scheme showed how efficiently 4G architecture could be deployed in the underground’s tunnels.

TfL is currently obliged to provide extra network coverage on the Tube as part of the Emergency Services Mobile Communications Programme (ESMCP) which will kick into play once the existing terrestrial network is turned off. The new 4G network can be turned into even more of an asset, however, by allowing the public to access the network and generating extra income for TfL in the process.

Tfl’s director of commercial development, Graeme Craig, said that the new network represented “great news” for Underground customers and for generating this extra incoming to reinvest back into London’s transport infrastructure.

He added: “The success of this trial shows that we are on track to unlock one of the UK’s most high profile not-spots and deliver 4G mobile coverage throughout our tunnels and Tube stations.”

London’s recently appointed chief digital officer, Theo Blackwell, added: “This is a brilliant initiative and part of our work to improve connectivity at home, in our high streets, public spaces and across the transport network. TfL’s innovation shows we can make a real difference and benefit Londoners through using city-wide public assets in a smarter way, starting with the Tube.”