Boldyn to Deliver 4G Mobile for Emergency Services Network on London Underground

Digital infrastructure firm Boldyn Networks has, perhaps unsurprisingly, today been selected to deliver 4G mobile network (mobile broadband) infrastructure to enable the Emergency Services Network (ESN) across the London Underground. The deal reflects a collaboration with EE (BT), Transport for London (TfL) and the UK’s Home Office.

The move makes sense given how Boldyn has already been heavily involved with the deployment of 4G and 5G mobile cells across the London Underground (stations, trains, tunnels etc.). The company also holds a 20-year exclusive concession agreement with TfL, which includes work to build a new fibre network through the re-use of existing TfL ducts etc. This gave them access to more than 80,000 fibre-connected street assets, including on lighting columns, 2,000km of ducts and 400km of underground fibre, without the need for new planning permissions.

The new ESN deal will thus provide first responders, including police, fire and ambulance services, with “seamless mobile coverage” (via data, imagery, live video and public safety information) across the 137 Tube, Docklands Light Railway and London Overground stations located ‘underground’. This should hopefully support a faster and more coordinated response to live situations.

Paul Osborne, Chief Commercial Officer UK at Boldyn Networks, said:

“Access to connectivity for the emergency services can’t be compromised, especially in an environment as complex as the London Underground. Critically, ESN will ensure first responders can stay connected when it matters most, with access to the data and tools they need to respond quickly, safely and successfully. We’re proud to continue our work with TfL and EE to help safeguard the millions of daily passengers across the London Underground network.”

Faisal Mahomed, MD ESN Mobile Services at BT Group, said:

“EE is proud to be incorporating resilient, secure mobile coverage for the Emergency Services Network on London’s Underground, helping keep frontline responders connected in critical situations. Extending ESN below ground marks another important milestone in our long-term commitment to empowering Britain’s Emergency Services with trusted, mission critical communications. We’re pleased to be working alongside Boldyn Networks and TfL to provide this service.”

In addition to the project to deliver 4G mobile coverage across the Tube network, which we’re told “remains on track for delivery by the end of 2026“, Boldyn and TfL said they’re also still committed to scaling the capital’s fibre backbone and installing small-cell technology on street furniture.