BAI Communications Picks ADVA to bring mobile connectivity to London Underground

ADVA has announced that it is supplying BAI Communications with key technology to support the introduction of mobile connectivity throughout the London Underground.

The London Underground network – also known as “The Tube” – is one of the UK’s most high-profile areas of poor connectivity with little phone coverage. ADVA’s technology will help play an important role in supporting the UK capital as it continues to leverage smart city technology and improve urban life.

“With ADVA’s innovation, BAI Communications is helping to transform the experience of Tube passengers by providing continuous high-speed mobile coverage for the first time. We’re enabling them to connect while traveling, to make calls, stream videos and work online from anywhere in the entire network,” said Andrew Conway, director of solutions and innovation at BAI Communications UK. “Once delivered, our new technical solution will make journeys more enjoyable and productive whilst also providing a significant boost to London’s economy.”

BAI Communications’ new solution features several ADVA technologies. ADVA FSP 150 devices within the aggregation network will enable small cell connectivity and the pluggable ADVA G.metro self-tuning transceivers will be essential to delivering seamless high-capacity services underground. Precise and robust network timing from ADVA’s Oscilloquartz synchronization technology will also be fundamental to ensuring the same user experience underground as above. Finally, the ADVA ALM will provide real-time, in-service fiber monitoring on a network comprehensively managed by the ADVA Ensemble Controller.

“The London Underground was constructed in the 19th Century as a response to the city’s growth in the industrial revolution. Now, as the global digital revolution gathers pace, we’re working with BAI Communications to ensure the Tube remains fit for a truly connected world,” commented Hartmut Müller-Leitloff, SVP of sales EMEA at ADVA. “The rollout has begun with highly robust and reliable connectivity. By the end of 2024, all stations and tunnels will have seamless mobile coverage and the foundations for 5G connectivity and beyond.”