EE hooks up London Underground stations to 5G network

Customers travelling through Archway, Tufnell Park, and Notting Hill Gate will now benefit from high-speed connectivity.

EE says 5G connectivity will be available “from ticket hall to platform” at all three stations. The only station with 5G within the tunnel segment is Notting Hill Gate, EE says the other two stations will join “shortly”.

Greg McCall, Chief Networks Officer at BT, said:

“We’re proud to bring 5G coverage to the London Underground for the first time, maintaining our position at the forefront of what is a hugely important and transformative project for the city.

It’s also a further demonstration of our ambition to deliver 5G connectivity anywhere in the UK by 2028, as we continue to make great progress in our efforts to build an unbeatable 5G network.”

The three stations were among the first to benefit from EE’s 4G coverage. The operator plans to deploy mobile coverage across the entirety of the Tube by the end of 2024.

Theo Blackwell MBE, London’s Chief Digital Officer, commented:

“It’s great to see super high-speed 5G mobile connectivity now available at a number of Tube stations, proving that the state-of-the-art technology being installed across the network is already future-proofed and adaptable for the next generation of mobile signal.

The Mayor committed to Londoners that we would deliver 4G throughout the Tube network as part of his determination to build a better London for everyone and today marks the latest step forward as we work to improve digital connectivity at home, in our high streets, public spaces, and across the transport network.”

BAI Communications is leading the multi-carrier effort to deliver mobile connectivity across the Tube. The provider’s infrastructure connects London Underground’s stations and tunnels with each other and the outside world.

EE connects to BAI’s infrastructure using basestations from Nokia’s AirScale radio access portfolio.

Phil Siveter, CEO – UK&I at Nokia, said:

“We are delighted to be selected as EE’s primary network provider for this important project that will provide premium 5G connectivity to commuters on the world-famous London Underground.

We have worked hand-in-hand with BT for over a quarter of a century and are proud to be their largest equipment and services provider.

The scope of this project will include providing coverage across tunnels, platforms and stations and is another important step forward in the digitalisation of the UK economy.”

The speed and capacity of 5G layered on a 4G network will enable travellers to have a much better experience on the Tube, especially during rush hour. Telecomstechnews