The Mayor of London has announced plans to improve mobile phone connectivity across the city, publishing a report of where networks are falling short as well as practical steps boroughs can take to support improvements.

An interactive map shows how mobile performance varies across London and a new framework highlights ten actions boroughs can take to support better connectivity.

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

Since 2017, the Mayor has worked with boroughs and industry to support the expansion of full-fibre broadband, launched a £30 million investment in fibre infrastructure upgrading public assets from copper such as libraries and CCTV columns, and introduced London Plan policies requiring new developments to provide full-fibre connections and meet demand for mobile connectivity.

Through TfL's partnership with Boldyn Networks, 4G and 5G coverage is now available  across the London Underground network, including in tunnels between stations. Coverage is now at 70 per cent and is on track to be completed by the end of the year.

Independent analysis by Ookla® found that London is now among the world's leading cities for underground 5G adoption.

The Mayor of London, Sadiq 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.”

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.”