Transport for London (TfL) has announced that the first tunnelled section of the Elizabeth line in London now has high speed 4G and 5G mobile coverage.
Following all Elizabeth line stations getting mobile coverage earlier this year, TfL and Boldyn Networks, TfL's connectivity partner, have now introduced coverage within the tunnels from the Royal Oak portal to the west of Paddington to Liverpool Street station, covering approximately five miles and meaning that they can now stay connected as they travel between stations. Further tunnelled sections of the Elizabeth line towards Whitechapel will be connected in the coming weeks and the whole line will have mobile coverage by the end of summer.
TfL and Boldyn Networks are working to introduce high-speed 4G and 5G mobile coverage across the whole Tube, DLR and Elizabeth line network, as well as between Highbury and Islington and New Cross on the London Overground. All four MNOs are taking part in the rollout.
As well as providing mobile coverage to Elizabeth line tunnels, mobile connectivity also continues to be introduced across the Tube network in Central London. Recently, Hyde Park Corner and Russell Square stations on the Piccadilly line started to receive coverage and further sections of the Northern line, Bakerloo line, Piccadilly line and Victoria line are anticipated to go live in the coming month.
Along with allowing customers to stay connected, the expanding coverage will also give rail and Tube staff better connectivity to pass on information and host the new Emergency Services Network (ESN). The ESN, when fully operational, will give first responders immediate access to life-saving data, images and information in live situations and emergencies on the frontline.
As well as all eight underground Elizabeth line stations, across London, 36 Tube stations have started to offer mobile coverage to customers in the ticket halls, platform areas and interchanges, with many more, including the southern end of the Northern line, expected to go live by the end of the summer.
London's Transport Commissioner, Andy Lord, said, "It's wonderful to see our programme to introduce high-speed mobile coverage now benefitting customers on the Elizabeth line, the newest part of London's historic underground network of stations and tunnels.
"This key step in bringing better connectivity to London's underground stations and tunnels will allow more people travelling around the capital to keep in touch, share photos and make the most of the city, especially as we start to enjoy the summer."
Billy D'Arcy, CEO of UK & Ireland at Boldyn Networks, said, "Following the success of all underground Elizabeth line stations being connected, we're delighted that TfL customers are now starting to enjoy 4G and 5G coverage in the tunnels. This will benefit a huge number of passengers travelling between Liverpool Street and Paddington, including tourists travelling through central London this summer, as progress continues on the rollout of our new digital infrastructure for London."