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BT and Huawei touted as potential suitors for TfL's 4G plans for the Underground

Plans to roll out mobile signal services across the London Underground network look set to kick into gear after next week’s General Election when Transport for London (TfL) will kick off the tendering process for the project.

The contract, which could run into the hundreds of millions of pounds, will see a private contractor roll out 4G coverage on the Tube, allowing commuters to make and receive calls and texts, and access the internet, for the first time.

Sources quoted by the Financial Times have said that it is expected to be a competitive pitch with companies such as BAI Communications, Wireless Infrastructure Group and Arqiva expected to bid for the work, with further rumours that BT or Chinese telecoms company Huawei could also throw their hats into the ring.

The latest development comes after abortive attempts in recent years to roll out mobile access on the Underground, and builds on the current WiFi network currently operated by Virgin.

A source quoted by Sky News commented: “We are keen to offer full mobile phone coverage for our customers.

“The introduction of this would need to be commercially viable and would follow engagement with staff and customers.”

The move marks a further digital push by TfL and the Mayor Sadiq Khan, who is also hunting for the capital’s first Chief Digital Officer to oversee a digital transformation push across London’s public services.

William Newton, who is EMEA Director at connectivity organisation WiredScore, has hailed the development as further evidence of the current political will towards digital innovation and infrastructure.

Along with the Tories commitment to 5G infrastructure and its ramped up fibre broadband investment, Newton believes we are finally experiencing a sea change in public policy towards digital initiatives.

He commented: “The Conservative Government announced investments in both 5G and full-fibre in the Digital Strategy and Industrial Strategy, while the Labour Manifesto commits to improving mobile internet and expanding free public WiFi in city centres and on public transport. Finally, it is clear that we are approaching connectivity as a cross-party commitment.”

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