Osborne Clarke advises EE as deal agreed to provide high-speed mobile connectivity across whole London Tube network for the first time

International law firm Osborne Clarke has advised EE on its contract with BAI Communications (BAI) to deliver 4G and 5G-ready mobile connectivity across the London Underground.

BAI was awarded a 20-year concession by Transport for London (TfL) to deliver mobile connectivity on the London Underground.  The contract with mobile network EE will give customers access to uninterrupted coverage while on the Tube and within the stations.  

By partnering with BAI to deliver connectivity to their customers, EE will help lead London’s transformation into a truly smart city.  All mobile operators will be able to access the London Underground WiFi, as well as BAI’s neutral host mobile network, which can also be made available under a separate arrangement to the Emergency Services Network (ESN).  The infrastructure will also be 5G-ready, allowing seamless upgrades in the future.

The Osborne Clarke team advising EE and its parent company BT was led by head of telecommunications Jon Fell and commercial associate director Eleanor Williams. They were supported by commercial senior associates Jaskirat Singh and Gregory Barton & paralegal, Ben Hillier. Partners Tom Bussy, Marc Shrimpling and Emily Van Schalkwyk also advised. 

Osborne Clarke is a go-to practice for many companies in the technology, media and telecoms sector.  It works with clients ranging from global businesses to fast-growth start-ups and market challengers.

Ashurst advised BAI.