London Underground targets full mobile coverage by year-end

Transport for London and Boldyn Networks have expanded 4G and 5G coverage across more London Underground tunnel sections and stations. Around 60% of underground stations now have mobile coverage, with Three, EE, Vodafone and VMO2 participating. The programme is a visible test of shared neutral-host deployment in dense public transport infrastructure.

• Around 60% of underground stations now have 4G and 5G coverage
• Neutral-host model turns Tube tunnels into shared operator infrastructure

The fact

Transport for London and neutral-host provider Boldyn Networks have expanded 4G and 5G coverage to new tunnelled sections of the Bakerloo, Metropolitan, Circle and District lines, plus stations including Vauxhall, Temple, Nine Elms and Gloucester Road. Around 60% of underground stations now have mobile coverage. Three, EE, Vodafone and VMO2 are participating. TfL aims to cover the entire Tube network by the end of 2026, with Northern, Bakerloo and Metropolitan tunnel sections due to reach coverage by the end of summer.

The Assessment

The rollout shows how dense urban transport networks can become shared digital infrastructure. The neutral-host model lets multiple operators use one deployment in a challenging underground environment, reducing duplication and speeding service delivery. For London, wider Tube coverage improves commuter connectivity and makes the year-end target a visible test of public infrastructure execution.

What to Watch

Watch whether TfL and Boldyn meet the year-end full coverage deadline, and whether promised end-of-summer milestones for Northern, Bakerloo and Metropolitan tunnel sections are achieved.

Also read: Google taps Voltus VPPs for PJM data centre capacity

Also read: Grid backlash drives flexible load demands