The underground mobile coverage across London’s tube network has reached a significant milestone, with more than half of the city’s subterranean stations now offering 4G and 5G connectivity. Transport for London reports that 62 of 121 underground tube stations currently have mobile service in ticket halls, corridors, and platforms. The Elizabeth line achieved full mobile connectivity in December 2024, marking a major advancement in the city’s digital infrastructure.
Recent progress includes connecting stations such as Euston Square, Cannon Street, and Battersea Power Station to the mobile network. Parts of the Circle and District lines now have coverage on two track sections: Blackfriars to Cannon Street and Notting Hill Gate to Bayswater.
This gradual expansion continues as TfL works toward complete coverage by the end of 2026. The upcoming months will see King’s Cross St Pancras, Gloucester Road, Warwick Avenue, and Vauxhall stations added to the connected network. By summer 2026, the Northern and Metropolitan lines are expected to have internet coverage in tunnels. The shared infrastructure approach reduces capital expenditure for each individual telecom operator while improving customer satisfaction.
Plans also include bringing connectivity to near-surface sections of the Victoria, Jubilee, Bakerloo, and Piccadilly lines. This ambitious project involves multiple partners working together. Boldyn Networks serves as the primary contractor, while Three UK, EE, Vodafone, and Virgin Media O2 provide technical support and infrastructure. The collaboration supports the future deployment of the Emergency Services Network to enhance public safety communications.
Isabel Coman, Director of Engineering at TfL, leads coordination efforts between these parties. The project has been identified as potentially the biggest Distributed Antenna System implementation globally once completed. Approximately 400 engineers are working overnight to install the necessary infrastructure within limited engineering hours.
The technical challenges are significant, particularly in deep underground stations that require specialized infrastructure solutions. Despite these obstacles, TfL maintains that the project remains “on track” for completion by the end of 2026.
When finished, London’s entire transit system will offer seamless mobile coverage across all underground tube, DLR, Elizabeth line, and Overground stations and tunnels, transforming how commuters and tourists experience connectivity while traveling through the city.
