The 4G rollout on the Elizabeth Line has finally been completed, marking significant progress for Transport for London (TfL).
- Despite this advancement, much of London’s underground network remains without mobile connectivity.
- London lags behind European cities like Paris and Lisbon in underground 4G coverage.
- Improved connectivity aims to enhance network reliability and support the Emergency Services Network.
- Plans are underway to expand 4G coverage across more lines, with further improvements expected soon.
The completion of the 4G infrastructure rollout across the Elizabeth Line represents a notable milestone for Transport for London (TfL). This achievement enables TfL to provide mobile coverage in parts of the Elizabeth, Central, Victoria, Northern, and Jubilee lines. However, large sections of the underground still lack connectivity, highlighting a considerable delay compared to European counterparts.
Indeed, London trails behind cities such as Paris, where the entire metro system had 4G by 2020, and Lisbon, which completed its rollout in 2018. This slow pace contrasts sharply with other tech initiatives like contactless payments, where London led globally.
The increased coverage will benefit TfL staff by allowing better communication to maintain the network’s safety and operations. It will also support the new Emergency Services Network (ESN), which aims to provide first responders with critical data and information during emergencies.
TfL and Boldyn are actively working to bring high-speed 4G and 5G across the entire Tube, Docklands Light Railway (DLR), and Elizabeth Line networks. The Windrush line on the London Overground is also set for enhancements. According to Andy Lord, London’s Transport Commissioner, this complex engineering project primarily occurred during non-operational hours.
Expansion efforts are currently targeting the Northern Line towards Morden, and sections between King’s Cross St Pancras and Moorgate by 2025. Additionally, the Bakerloo Line is set to extend coverage from Piccadilly Circus to Embankment, with further improvements for the Piccadilly and Victoria lines.
Boldyn Networks holds a 20-year concession with TfL to deliver robust mobile connectivity throughout the London Underground. This ambitious project involves installing over 2,000 kilometres of cabling and thousands of radios, enhancing both above and below ground connectivity.
The 4G rollout on the Elizabeth Line marks essential progress for TfL, yet London still faces challenges in matching the pace of other world cities in underground mobile coverage.
