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Karen Hoggan, a Business reporter for BBC News, reports that the elimination of mobile phone blackspots on various major railway lines and train tunnels by 2028 has been promised by Network Rail, the organization responsible for Britain’s railway infrastructure. This initiative is a result of a partnership between Network Rail, a government-owned entity, and two private telecoms companies, with the aim of enhancing 4G and 5G connectivity for passengers while traveling on trains and waiting at stations. The Department for Transport (DfT) has confirmed that the project will commence next year and is anticipated to greatly improve journeys for passengers who have encountered issues with dropped calls and poor internet connectivity.
The project, known as Project Reach, will involve the installation of approximately 1,000km (621 miles) of ultra-fast fibre optic cable along sections of the East Coast Main Line from London King’s Cross to Newcastle, as well as the West Coast Main Line that runs from London to Manchester. Alan Thomas, the chief executive of Manchester-based business insurer Ripe, expressed optimism about the potential productivity benefits associated with improved network coverage on trains. He emphasized the value of utilizing train travel time as work time, particularly for small business owners and entrepreneurs for whom time translates directly into money.
Additionally, telecoms firm Neos Networks will be responsible for laying cables along the Great Western Main Line connecting London to Cardiff, as well as the Chiltern Main Line. The Department for Transport has indicated plans to expand this coverage to over 5,000km in the near future, although a specific timeline for this expansion has not been disclosed. It is important to note that Freshwave, another telecoms company, has been tasked with eliminating blackspots in 57 tunnels, spanning nearly 50km in total, which includes the lengthy Chipping Sodbury tunnel near Bristol. This collaboration with mobile network operators aims to enhance mobile connectivity within tunnels exceeding 250m in length across multiple railway lines.
In terms of funding, Network Rail highlighted that private investment in the project will result in savings of approximately £300m for taxpayers, as the two telecoms companies involved are funding the initiative. Network Rail’s chief financial officer, Jeremy Westlake, emphasized the efficiency of this investment model in delivering necessary telecoms infrastructure upgrades promptly, while also providing substantial value for taxpayers and stimulating broader economic benefits nationwide. The move towards improved connectivity for rail passengers has been welcomed by Bruce Williamson, a spokesperson for campaign group Rail Future, who emphasized the importance of meeting the demand for connectivity among passengers who heavily rely on their smartphones while traveling. Transport Secretary Heidi Alexander characterized the initiative as a “game-changer” for passengers across the country, noting its alignment with the government’s objectives of fostering economic growth and digital innovation, ultimately leading to a more reliable and efficient rail service
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