The London Underground will start getting 4G mobile coverage by 2019

Tube

Your commute could soon get a whole lot better: 4G internet is finally coming to the London Underground over the next few years.

On Thursday, the Mayor of London's office announced that mobile connectivity would begin being introduced to the Tube by 2019, letting people make calls and browse the internet while on the move underground.

London Underground stations already offer WiFi — but this costs money unless the user is already a customer of select mobile networks, and does not cover the tunnels between stations. In contrast, the Evening Standard reports that the new plans will provide uninterrupted mobile coverage for stations and tunnels throughout the network.

"Our digital connectivity needs to be improved — internet connectivity is now a key public utility, and it is no surprise that some businesses see poor connectivity as a barrier to growth," London mayor Sadiq Khan said in a statement. "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."

The Elizabeth Line, due to launch in December 2018, is due to have mobile coverage throughout, the Mayor's office said.

Writing on Twitter, MayorWatch journalist Martin Hoscik said that the move is necessary due to a Home Office decision to change the British emergency services' communications network:

Today City Hall are trying to take credit for bringing 4G to the Tube. It’s cheap spin. TfL is obliged to do it as part of the Home Office
— Martin Hoscik (@MartinHoscik) August 10, 2017

decision to move all 999 services from Airwave to a new 4G-based, EE-built national emergency services network. This is zilch to do with
— Martin Hoscik (@MartinHoscik) August 10, 2017

Sadiq’s determination to eliminate ‘not spots’. If the 4G doesn’t happen, BTP will ultimately be left with no radios on the Tube.
— Martin Hoscik (@MartinHoscik) August 10, 2017