11.08.17
Khan pledges full 4G coverage across Underground by 2019
Mayor of London Sadiq Khan has today set out ambitions to deliver 4G connectivity across the London Underground in stations and tunnels from 2019.
He also stated that he was already looking into “futureproofing” the network so that it can ready itself for 5G connectivity as well.
Discussing the issue in a letter sent to 33 London councils, Khan took the opportunity to invite the local authorities to prepare bids for a Challenge Fund designed to boost fibre connectivity across the capital.
The announcement confirms an RTM news story from May that explained TfL was moving forward on measures to improve its mobile coverage on the tube.
In his letter, the mayor also stated that the Elizabeth Line will have mobile connectivity when it launches through central London in 2018, giving passengers continuous phone coverage and access to the internet as trains move through tunnels across the network.
TfL will issue a formal notice soon seeking feedback from the industry on how Underground and street-level assets can be best used to improve connectivity across the capital and also generate a commercial return.
“London is now a leading global tech hub, with thriving start-ups alongside major companies like Facebook, Amazon and Google,” Khan commented.
“But our digital connectivity needs to be improved – internet connectivity is now a key public utility, and it is no surprise that some businesses see poor connectivity as a barrier to growth.”
The mayor also explained that if London was to remain competitive in the global economy, it needed to ensure every resident was able to access a fast and reliable digital connection.
“That means working to boost connectivity across London – tackling not-spots, delivering connectivity in the London Underground and working with local authorities to provide digital infrastructure fitting of a global tech hub,” he concluded.
And David Leam, infrastructure director at London First, added: “Business needs fast and reliable connections across our capital – in the office, for people working from home and when they’re on the move.
“We should be making the most of existing infrastructure, including the London Underground network, to boost speeds and deliver coverage to areas that have been left behind. But we also need London’s planners to get behind this work, otherwise our digital ambitions risk being strangled by red tape.”