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Super-fast 4G and 5G mobile coverage has been introduced in the Elizabeth line tunnels in central London – just in time to watch the Euro 2024 knock-out games.
The roll-out of the mobile network, which already included the Lizzie line’s eight subterranean stations in central London, has been expanded to include the five miles of tunnels between the Royal Oak portal west of Paddington through to Liverpool Street.
In addition, a total of 36 Tube stations also have 4G and 5G – with more coverage being added by the week in the Underground’s tunnels.
This allows passengers to make phone calls, watch TV and stream videos while travelling. It means they can tune in to live coverage of the Euros – England’s next game is against Switzerland on Friday – and the Wimbledon tennis championships.
Almost 790,000 passengers a day use the Elizabeth line at peak times, making it the busiest railway in the country.
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.
All four mobile network operators - Three UK, EE, Vodafone, and Virgin Media O2 (VMO2) - are taking part in the rollout, which is being done at no cost to Transport for London by Boldyn Networks.
Hyde Park Corner and Russell Square stations, both on the Piccadilly line, now have coverage. Further sections of the Northern, Bakerloo, Piccadilly and Victoria lines are anticipated to go live in the coming month.
The Elizabeth line first received 4G last Christmas at four stations – Bond Street, Tottenham Court Road, Farringdon and Liverpool Street. Paddington, Whitechapel, Canary Wharf and Woolwich were added two months ago.
Mayor Sadiq Khan has promised that the 4G network will be completed by the end of 2025, when it will also include the London Overground and DLR.
This is a year later than initially planned – the job was originally due to be completed by the end of 2024. TfL says a “significant proportion” of the Tube will be connected by the end of this year.
The network will also benefit station staff and will host the new Emergency Services Network. 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.
Coverage in the 36 Tube stations includes their ticket halls and platforms. The southern end of the Northern line is expected to be connected by the end of the summer.
London’s transport commissioner, Andy Lord, said: “Bringing better connectivity to 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.”
Billy D’Arcy, chief executive 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.”
Michael Solomon Williams, of the Campaign for Better Transport, said: “This is great news for Elizabeth line passengers.”
List of stations where mobile coverage is now available:
Elizabeth line: Paddington, Bond Street, Tottenham Court Road, Farringdon, Liverpool Street, Whitechapel, Canary Wharf, Woolwich.
Central line: Holland Park, Notting Hill Gate, Queensway, Lancaster Gate, Marble Arch, Bond Street, Oxford Circus, Tottenham Court Road, Holborn, Chancery Lane, St Paul’s, Bank.
Northern line: Hampstead, Belsize Park, Chalk Farm, Highgate, Archway, Tufnell Park, Kentish Town, Camden Town, Mornington Crescent, Euston (Charing Cross Branch), Warren Street, Goodge Street, Tottenham Court Road, Clapham Common.
Jubilee line: Westminster, Waterloo, Southwark, London Bridge, Bermondsey, Canada Water, Canary Wharf, North Greenwich.
Piccadilly line: Russell Square, Covent Garden, Hyde Park Corner.
