O2, Vodaphone, and Three UK have turned down plans to expand 4G and 5G coverage across the Nexus-operated Tyne and Wear Metro underground rail system.

According to a report from IS Preview, the overground and underground light rail rapid transit system now looks unlikely to see 4G and 5G coverage.

It currently connects Newcastle upon Tyne, Gateshead, North Tyneside, South Tyneside, and the City of Sunderland.

Plans were first announced in February last year by Nexus to improve digital connectivity on the metro and create 4G and 5G signal across the whole network.

At the time, Nexus said this approach was cheaper and easier to deploy than on-train WiFi. The operator had planned the upgrade earlier but was hindered by the Covid-19 pandemic.

The transit system has had some 4G coverage from EE (BT) since 2019.

The report added that EE may have had an advantage over other operators because it appeared to have inherited the fiber used for backhaul in the tunnels.

Other mobile operators would have needed to deliver their own cables to every signal station, which could be both costly and logistically challenging.

A spokesperson for Vodafone told IS Preview: “We did have early conversations with Nexus regarding the program. We’d be happy to discuss it further with them.”

O2 and Three UK declined to comment.

Earlier this year, the London Underground and TFL adopted neutral host services via Boldyn Networks, formerly BAI Communications, to provide the Elizabeth line with 4G mobile coverage.

In February last year, EE went live with its 5G network in parts of the London Underground, with Vodafone and Three following suit.