Passengers on the London Underground will soon be able to use their mobile phones. Transport for London (TfL) and London mayor, Sadiq Khan will invite bids from telecommunication companies after the general election. Although wireless internet has been installed on the concourse and platforms of a majority of tube stations, passengers are not able to surf the web or make phone calls when the train is moving.
Installation of a mobile signal is part of Sadiq Khan’s pledge to improve London’s communications.
TfL said: “We are keen to offer full mobile phone coverage for our customers. The introduction of this would need to be commercially viable and would follow engagement with staff and customers.”
Several telecoms specialist companies have expressed interest and are likely to bid for the project. They include BAI Communications, Wireless Infrastructure Group and Ariva.
Others are such as BT, Huawei and Airvana which have previously discussed installing their kit on the Underground.
TfL could decide to subsidise the network build at hundreds of millions or strike a revenue sharing deal with a telecoms company.
BAI built the communications networks for the New York and Toronto underground systems and is in the process of installing new fibre network for Boston’s rail and ferry users.
Wireless Infrastructure Group specialises in installing distributed antenna systems, where traditional wireless networks are weak such as shopping centres and London’s “Cheese Grater” building. WIG has revealed that the network will be used by all mobile phone networks.
Passengers in Tokyo, Seoul, New York, Berlin and Paris have been using their mobile phones on the subway for several years.
Seeing as talks between TfL and telecoms companies have collapsed in the past, commuters can only hope the plans will finally be fully implemented.
