Sadiq Khan announces plan to tackle internet black spots in central London

The mayor has published a new London Mobile Connectivity Evidence Report, noting which networks are falling short, along with a new framework setting out ten actions boroughs can take to support better connectivity.

The report and interactive map show how mobile performance varies across London, to help mobile operators and infrastructure providers identify where action is most needed.

The report, developed with support from connectivity data experts Ookla, found that areas of inner north and east London experience weaker signals, with Camden, Islington, Hackney and Tower Hamlets recording weaker signal strength than the City of London, Kensington and Chelsea, Newham, Lambeth, and Hammersmith and Fulham.

It advises London boroughs to appoint dedicated mobile connectivity officers, identify council-owned buildings and land that could host mobile network equipment, and to ensure plans for major developments consider mobile connectivity from the outset.

4G and 5G coverage is being delivered across the London Underground network

TfL

The Interactive London Mobile Connectivity Map allows users to explore mobile performance by location, including download speeds and signal strength.

The work builds on the Mayor’s Connected London programme, which was established in 2017 to improve access to reliable fibre broadband, mobile connectivity and public Wi-Fi.

The programme has seen a £30 million investment in fibre infrastructure upgrading public assets from copper such as libraries and CCTV columns, while 4G and 5G coverage is being delivered across the London Underground network.

Coverage across the Tube network has now reached 70%, and is on track to be completed by the end of the year.

However, despite these plans and investments, many Londoners still experience weak signals and slow or unreliable connections.

Mobile UK, the trade association representing the UK's major mobile networks, said London's mobile phone connectivity "continues to lag frustratingly behind other international hubs".

A “perfect storm” of fewer antenna sites caused by housing and other developments, as well as more tall buildings being built in the capital, has resulted in Londoners suffering with poor quality service at times.

Mayor of London Sadiq Khan hopes to ‘deliver better connectivity’ to London

PA Wire

Crowded areas, such as near busy Tube and rail stations, are often most affected as the “bottlenecks” are due to capacity shortfalls on the network.

Many mobile users across London say their service is becoming increasingly unreliable, reporting failed connections and calls not getting through.

City Hall has argued that mobile operators are responsible for investing in, building and running their networks, but that the Mayor can help address barriers to improvements through planning policy, access to TfL assets and coordination between boroughs, landowners, developers and industry.

Lord Khan said: “Reliable mobile signal is essential to everyday life in London, whether you’re working, running a business or keeping in touch with family and friends. Although huge progress has been made, many Londoners still experience frustrating gaps in service.

“This new evidence and map will help us understand where improvements are needed and work with boroughs and mobile operators to deliver better connectivity, building a fairer and more prosperous London for everyone.”

Chief Digital Officer for London Theo Blackwell

Theo Blackwell MBE, Chief Digital Officer for London, said: "London is a thriving global city and it is essential that our digital infrastructure can support our needs, now and in the future.

“We’ve developed a range of practical tools to support better digital infrastructure - and mobile connectivity has improved immensely thanks to the work of the Mayor’s Connected London programme

“However, there is still more to do. Understanding the quality of mobile signals has been too opaque for too long. These groundbreaking new tools will provide us with an in-depth look at the connectivity challenges we’re facing across London, giving us the evidence we need to target investment in the right areas and improve digital connectivity for Londoners.