London mobile connectivity issues and response

Users in London have reported deteriorating mobile connectivity, characterized by slow internet speeds, failed calls, and undelivered messages. These issues are most prevalent in high-traffic areas like Liverpool Street and Covent Garden. Experts have attributed the decline to rising consumer demand, insufficient network capacity in congested zones, the removal of antennas, and urban planning obstacles.

In response to these performance inconsistencies, London Mayor Sadiq Khan released the London Mobile Connectivity Evidence Report. Developed with Ookla, the report found that while the city meets minimum Ofcom speed standards, no area currently passes all four of the ‘Strong’ connectivity checks. The data highlights that inner north and east London boroughs, such as Camden, Islington, Hackney, and Tower Hamlets, experience weaker signal strength than the City of London or Kensington and Chelsea.

To address these gaps, the Mayor proposed a ten-step framework for local boroughs. This includes appointing mobile connectivity officers, utilizing council land for network equipment, and incorporating mobile coverage planning into major urban developments. This initiative follows the Connected London programme, which previously invested £30 million in fiber infrastructure.