Now we’re talking... through the tunnel!
DRIVERS ARE CONNECTED WITH SIGNAL FOR MOBILE PHONES
IT’S finally arrived – travellers through the Tyne Tunnel can now get a mobile connection, thanks to a £500,000 project.
Shared Access, the leading independent owner and operator of shared wireless infrastructure, has implemented its connectivity system at the Tyne Tunnel and it means you don’t have to be disconnected from the outside world when travelling underground.
The work was commissioned by mobile operator, O2, following the community need for connectivity through the Tyne Tunnels that in recent years have served 38,000 customers per day.
And now other mobile operators have jumped on board.
It’s a major step forward for drivers using the Tunnel that links Jarrow
in South Tyneside and Howdon in North Tyneside.
Gary Green, Marketing Lead at TT2 Limited, which operates the Tyne Tunnels, said: “Losing mobile signal when entering the Tunnels was something that was frustrating to some of our customers, so we were keen to do something about it.”
Hanson Pottinger, Technical Manager at TT2 Limited, added: “We welcomed the opportunity to partner with Shared Access on this project to implement mobile communications within the tunnels and bring the facilities up to date in a rapidly developing technology.
“This allows customers to continue their journey uninterrupted and removes the fear of losing signal as they approach the tunnels, which would lead to some drivers causing an obstruction as they stopped to complete their conversation.
“We would always recommend customers ensure they are using their mobile device in a safe manner to prevent distraction, particularly within the confines of the tunnels.”
The project began in 2017 and saw approximately £500,000 worth of investment to complete. And now additional mobile operators, such as Vodafone and EE, have signed up to join the infrastructure to ensure that their customers are also covered throughout their travel, without dropping coverage when passing through the tunnel.
It means this access to mobile connectivity provides mobile travellers a seamless commute.
Chris Jackman, CEO of Shared Access, said: “What we provide to the public is consistent connectivity. That has always been the aim with all of our projects, to enable people with mobile wireless coverage wherever they are.
“Our project at Tyne Tunnel truly echoes our mentality, we saw an opportunity to help a community in ensuring that their visitors were always connected, even when on the go.”
Brendan O’Reilly, Chief Technology Officer, at O2, said: “It was challenging but incredibly important in ensuring the Tyne Tunnel had the necessary connectivity to service thousands of customers each day.”