Neos Networks has joined forces with Network Rail and Freshwave to sign an infrastructure deal in a bid to fix the worst signal blackspots across Britiain’s major train routes, providing improved connectivity and the start of a new high-capacity telecoms infrastructure.
The deal was agreed to help end the dropped calls and weak internet connections people suffer when travelling by train.
Project Reach will initially see Neos Networks deploy 1,000km of ultrafast, high-count fibre optic cable laid along lengths of the East Coast Main Line, the Chiltern Main Line and part of the West Coast Main Line to Manchester and the Great Western Main Line.
There are plans to expand the network to more than 5,000km in the future.
Freshwave, working closely with the mobile network operators, will initially deploy mobile infrastructure to tackle signal blackspots in 57 tunnels (covering almost 50km) and associated deep cuttings along the East Coast Main Line, the West Coast Main Line and the Great Western Main Line.
This includes the 4km-long Chipping Sodbury tunnel near Bristol and Gasworks and Copenhagen tunnels outside King’s Cross.
As part of the deal, Freshwave and mobile network operators will also invest in new 4G and 5G infrastructure at 12 Network Rail main stations.
The project’s commercial model combines public and private sector investment and infrastructure.
Freshwave will work with the mobile network operators to prioritise investment to fix mobile coverage not-spots in rail tunnels and upgrade wireless infrastructure at major railway stations, allowing better signal coverage for customers.
Heidi Alexander, Secretary of State for Transport said: “This partnership marks a significant step forward in improving the UK’s rail infrastructure.
“By enhancing connectivity and addressing signal blackspots, we are ensuring that passengers experience a more reliable and efficient service, benefitting rail users and supporting our broader goals of economic growth and digital innovation.”
The installation of infrastructure under Project Reach is expected to begin next year and be completed by 2028.
