Transport for London (TfL) is in talks to provide mobile phone coverage for emergency services on the Tube network, with the possibility that coverage for passengers could follow.
The Telegraph said plans to bring mobile coverage to the London Underground network are the last part of a nationwide overhaul under which communications for the emergency services are switched from a radio system to 4G mobile technology.
TfL is planning underground mobile coverage
It said ministers are keen for technology to be deployed that will allow passengers to make calls on platforms and in Tube tunnels.
A TfL spokesperson said: ‘We are currently investigating if the provision of a new communications network on the Underground is possible to further improve communications for the emergency services.
‘We do not currently have plans to introduce mobile phone coverage for customers. The introduction of such coverage would need to be commercially viable and would be subject to consultation with staff and customers.’
The Telegraph reported that TfL is in talks with several providers to build the necessary infrastructure for underground mobile communications, including Airvana, which specialises in small cell technology that allows mobile signals to operate in tight spaces.
Passengers are already able to use Wi-FI at 250 Tube and London Overground stations.
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