If re-elected on 2 May, Sadiq is today pledging a huge boost to
mobile and wifi coverage across London, with plans to expand
access to free wifi, and improve mobile connectivity all across
the capital.
Today Sadiq is announcing that he will work with London boroughs,
museums, galleries and other major London attractions on a free
single sign-in wifi network across the city.
He will also complete work to bring 4G and 5G to the entire
London Underground, London Overground and the Elizabeth line by
the end of 2025.
The Mayoral election on 2 May is a close two-horse race between
Sadiq, who is building an even better-connected capital and his
hard-right, divisive Tory opponent.
In recent years, there has been a 40 per cent increase every year
in the need for mobile data offered through public mobile
networks, as people connect and use their phones online more and
more.
The need for mobile data will only keep rising as we rely on our
phones more and more for everyday tasks such as shopping, playing
games, banking, watching movies and contacting friends and family
- as well as being crucial for businesses, the self-employed, and
the culture and entertainment industries.
Sadiq has already set out a proposals to ensure Londoners can
make the most of advancing technology and boost connectivity,
with plans are already underway for mobile coverage to reach
80 per cent of the Tube network by the end of 2024.
Sadiq is now committing to achieve full rollout of 4G and 5G
to the entire London Underground, London Overground and the
Elizabeth line by the end of 2025. He will also continue to lobby
ministers for improvements of coverage on London's suburban
trains by lobbying Network Rail and partners to extend and
improve 4G and 5G coverage.
To bring further connectivity to local high streets, Sadiq's
commitment will also see TfL working with telecomms companies to
use street furniture such as lampposts and bollards to improve
infrastructure and provide better connectivity in busy areas and
high streets.
Keeping London connected is vital for our city's prosperity - and
a key priority outlined in Sadiq's manifesto. In working with
London attractions such as museums and galleries, as well as
London's boroughs, to offer a single sign-in wifi network, it
will remove the need for Londoners and visitors to
repeatedly register or log on as people go from place to
place.
said -
“High quality internet access has never been more vital, whether
you work in London, want to visit the capital's amazing
attractions, or just want to stay in contact with friends and
families when you're out and about. It's an essential part of
daily life.
“Despite all the progress made improving connectivity, I want the
experience of people using their phones and other devices to be
completely seamless and hassle-free. If re-elected, I'll complete
our work bringing 4G and 5G to all of London's transport network.
“I'm also excited to announce that I'll work with London boroughs
and major venues to bring in a free single sign-in wifi network –
meaning people don't have to keep registering and logging on at
different locations across London.
“Where connectivity is not up to standard, I'll continue to make
the case for improvements. Put simply, the quality of service on
suburban rail lines is shocking, and something the private rail
companies must improve urgently.”
Note
Under Sadiq's mayoralty High-speed mobile coverage has widened to
much of the tube network and the busiest Elizabeth line
platforms, including escalators and tickets halls at Bond Street,
Tottenham Court Road, Farringdon and Liverpool Street. More
stations will be connected in the coming
months. https://tfl.gov.uk/info-for/media/press-releases/2023/december/mayor-heralds-first-elizabeth-line-stations-to-get-high-speed-mobile-coverage
