4G and 5G services now available in Elizabeth Line tunnels
Commuters can now access 4G and 5G mobile services in the tunnels on the Elizabeth Line for the first time, Transport for London (TfL) has announced.
The London Underground and nearby services have long been notorious for their “not-spots” and patchy coverage, but new work by the UK’s biggest mobile providers aims to deliver reliable high-speed connections.
The tunnels between Liverpool Street and Paddington are the latest to be switched on.
TfL now expects the entire Elizabeth Line to be completed “by the end of the summer,” with Whitechapel, Canary Wharf, and Woolwich next on the agenda.
London’s Transport Commissioner, Andy Lord, believes the ongoing rollout will enable commuters to make calls and messages, share photos, and generally “make the most of the city.”
He added: “It’s wonderful to see our programme to introduce high-speed mobile coverage now benefitting customers on the Elizabeth line.”
The work is gathering pace; it’s only been a few months since every Elizabeth Line station was switched on.
Mayor of London Sadiq Khan has committed to bringing high-speed coverage to the entire London Underground and other services, including the Elizabeth Line and London Overground, by the end of next year.
Around 500 workers are currently installing equipment during off-peak hours overnight.
One other significant benefit of the rollout is enhanced customer security.
Speaking to the BBC, 23-year-old Amir Dawoodbhal claims better mobile coverage helps improve the perception of safety for young people when they are travelling across London on their own.