Transport for London (TfL) has revealed which London Underground and Elizabeth line stations are due to get internet connectivity next. At present, plans suggest that ‘a significant proportion’ of the entire Tube network will have 4G and 5G mobile coverage by the end of 2024.
In December, high-speed mobile coverage became available on the busiest Elizabeth line platforms, escalators and tickets halls at Bond Street, Tottenham Court Road, Farringdon and Liverpool Street. A ‘large section’ of the Tube network across the West End now also has ‘uninterrupted high-speed mobile connectivity’.
Bosses added that the Victoria and Piccadilly lines to start getting coverage ‘by the end of March’. Tech will also be expanded to provide connectivity on the Docklands Light Railway (DLR) and between Highbury and Islington and New Cross on the London Overground ‘within the next two years’.
READ MORE: London Underground and Elizabeth line fares could be cheaper on another weekday as Sadiq Khan hints at another price cut
TfL documents outline next step
Now, TfL board documents have stated that more stations and tunnelled sections on the Central and Northern lines and the Elizabeth line will be getting coverage for the first time ‘throughout the spring’. Luckily, TfL has made a Tube map that denotes which stops are actually underground, which gives us a clue as to which stations and sections of the network that bosses are referring to.
Here are the stations and parts of line on the routes indicated that are tunnelled:
Northern line
- Between South Wimbledon and Kennington
- Between Battersea Power Station and Kennington
- Central London Bank branch
- Central London Charing Cross branch
- Between Euston and Hampstead
- Between Euston and Highgate
Central line
- Between Shepherd’s Bush and Mile End (stops between Oxford Circus and Tottenham Court Road already have connection as part of 4G/5G connection in West End)
- Wanstead, Redbridge and Gants hill are also tunnelled
Elizabeth line
- Woolwich
- Line between Custom House and Canary Wharf
- Between Canary Wharf and Whitechapel
- Between Whitechapel and Pudding Mill lane
- Between Whitechapel and Paddington
In December, Sadiq Khan, the Mayor of London and Chair of TfL, said that new mobile coverage will be a major boost for those travelling around London – connecting key business centres and some of the popular parts of Central London and the West End. He added: “It will help Londoners and visitors to the capital to better navigate the capital and stay connected underground.
“Growing numbers of underground Tube stations now have 4G and 5G services, with many more to come as we continue to build a better London for everyone.”
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Plan for new London-wide WiFi network
It comes as a new Wi-Fi network that users would not even need a password for could soon cover London as the mayor explores improving connectivity. Sadiq Khan has allocated £20,000 to create to improve internet accessibility for visitors and locals.
The tech could comprise an OpenRoaming network, which would reportedly allow people to connect to networks that have adopted the technology without the need for a password or providing credentials. This has already been tried out over smaller areas, London Loves Business reports, including the London Stadium and Canary Wharf.
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Tyler Fields is your internet guru, delving into the latest trends, developments, and issues shaping the online world. With a focus on internet culture, cybersecurity, and emerging technologies, Tyler keeps readers informed about the dynamic landscape of the internet and its impact on our digital lives.
