City Hall urges councils to improve London's mobile signal
New report and map highlight patchy coverage in inner north and east London, with voluntary steps suggested for boroughs.
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The article explains why this matters and names specific boroughs, but does not quote anyone affected or opposed.
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Local authorities across London are being asked to help address patchy mobile phone coverage, following the publication of an analysis by City Hall. The report details where mobile services fall short and outlines steps councils can take to facilitate improvements by mobile network operators.
While these suggestions are not mandatory, they include appointing a dedicated mobile connectivity officer, ensuring property developments consider mobile connectivity during the planning process, and offering council-owned property to house base stations. A new coverage map has been developed to highlight issues that may have been overlooked by network operators' own assessments. This map considers factors beyond just signal presence, such as download and upload speeds, signal strength, and latency, which can affect perceived phone performance.
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Areas with weaker signals identified
The London Mobile Connectivity Evidence Report found that certain areas within inner north and east London experience weaker mobile signals. Specifically, Camden, Islington, Hackney, and Tower Hamlets recorded lower signal strength compared to areas like the City of London, Kensington and Chelsea, Newham, Lambeth, and Hammersmith and Fulham. Improving signal quality often requires installing new equipment and securing agreements with property owners, while redevelopment projects can sometimes lead to the removal of existing infrastructure, creating further challenges.
The Mayor of London, Sadiq Khan, stated that reliable mobile signal is essential for daily life. He acknowledged that despite progress, many Londoners still encounter service gaps. Mr Khan indicated that the new evidence and map will aid in identifying areas needing improvement and facilitate collaboration with boroughs and mobile operators to enhance connectivity across the capital.
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Existing infrastructure projects
This initiative builds upon existing work to improve mobile connectivity. Through a partnership between Transport for London and Boldyn Networks, 4G and 5G coverage is being installed across 70 per cent of the London Underground network, with most tunnels and deep stations expected to be covered by the end of the year. Additionally, Boldyn Networks has access to a significant portion of TfL’s street assets, such as lampposts and bus shelters, which can be used to support future mobile infrastructure and increase capacity in busy locations. The Mayor’s Connected London programme has also previously funded a £30 million investment in fibre infrastructure serving public assets like libraries and CCTV columns since 2017.
Questions this report answers
+What has City Hall published to address mobile signal issues?
City Hall has published an analysis of mobile service shortcomings and a new coverage map. This report identifies areas with weaker mobile signals and suggests voluntary steps that local councils can take to help improve connectivity for residents.
+Which parts of London have weaker mobile signals according to the new report?
The London Mobile Connectivity Evidence Report highlights that parts of inner north and east London experience weaker mobile signals. Specifically, Camden, Islington, Hackney, and Tower Hamlets recorded weaker signal strength than several other London boroughs.
+What steps are being taken to improve mobile coverage on the London Underground?
4G and 5G mobile coverage is currently being installed across 70 per cent of the London Underground network. This project is being carried out through a partnership between Transport for London and Boldyn Networks, with most tunnels and deep stations expected to be covered soon.
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