Sadiq Khan has pledged that the entire tube network will have full 4G mobile coverage by 2019.
It's part of his plan to boost digital connectivity across London. Another facet of the initiative is tackling areas of London with infamously slow broadband, such as Westminster and Rotherhithe. To do this he's appointed a troubleshooting 'Not-Spot Team' (yes, that is its official name).
If London is to remain competitive in the global economy every Londoner must have access to a fast & reliable digital connection pic.twitter.com/OTgkq1gaUx
— Mayor of London (@MayorofLondon) August 10, 2017
London's metro system is one of the best in the world, but underground phone signal is the one category that it's noticeably lagged behind in. Phone networks in Tokyo, Paris and New York have long been up and running beneath ground.
However, Londoners will get a taste of underground phone signal before 2019. Crossrail's deep level tunnels have complete coverage across their network.
Sadiq Khan says:
London is now a leading global tech hub, with thriving start-ups alongside major companies like Facebook, Amazon and Google.
If we are to remain competitive in the global economy, we need to ensure every Londoner is able to access a fast and reliable digital connection.
That means working to boost connectivity across London — tackling not-spots, delivering connectivity in the London Underground and working with local authorities to provide digital infrastructure fitting of a global tech hub.
Read our take on the pros and cons of tubes getting phone signal.
