The "Connected Tube"

WiFi comes to London trains.

16:34 05 June 2017

The London underground network is set to become fully WiFi enabled this year following the footsteps of Paris, New York, Berlin, Tokyo and Seoul, which currently offer full mobile phone coverage across their transport networks.

 

This month, Transport for London will invite firms to build the infrastructure to provide 4G WiFi coverage. Companies that are expected to bid include Virgin Media, British Telecom and BAI Communications.

 

Announcing the plans, Transport for London said: "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."

 

Coverage will be offered for free but commuters will be presented with advertising content the first time they connect to the service and following connection each time they board a train.

 

According to The Refinery, which has reviewed Twitter conversations on the subject, Londoners seem "divided over whether it's a good thing or not, with many saying they dread having to listen to others' tedious phone calls."

 

In 2016, London Mayor Sadiq Khan’s pledged to have the underground facility fully connected.