End of the line for poor phone signals on trains
LOSING a mobile signal when passing through train tunnels is set to become an annoyance of times gone by under new Government plans.
The Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport today launched a call for evidence on how it can “dramatically” improve internet and phone connectivity on the train network by 2025.
At present, millions of commuters face the daily frustration of a poor signal preventing them from working or talking to friends and family while travelling.
Under the plans, masts will be placed along railways and inside tunnels, meaning each train could get uninterrupted internet speeds of around one gigabit per second.
The Government claims this would “futureproof the connectivity” and in practice could allow several hundred passengers to stream uninterrupted video content at the same time. A trial will first take place on the TransPennine route which will initially focus on Wi-fi but may also look at mobile coverage, a spokesman said.
The Government will consult on how the upgrades will be funded and it is thought that operators could force customers to contribute to the cost, either through increased train fares or extra Wi-fi services on trains.
In the autumn Budget, the Government announced up to £35million of investment to enable a series of trials to improve connectivity on trains.
This will be used to upgrade the Network Rail test track in Melton Mowbray, install trackside infrastructure along the Transpennine route between Manchester, Leeds and York, and support the roll-out of full-fibre and 5G networks.
Matt Hancock, digital minister, said: “We want people to be able to get connected where they live, work and travel. This means improving connections on Britain’s railways now, and making sure they are fit for the future. We’ve got a long way to travel but our destination is world-class signal for passengers. This will not only make journeys more enjoyable and productive, but will help improve the operation and safety of the railway and deliver economic benefits for the whole of the UK.”
Chris Grayling, the Transport Secretary, said: “We are investing record levels and delivering the biggest rail improvement plan since Victorian times to improve services for passengers, providing faster, better and more comfortable trains with extra seats.”
Bruce Williamson, from Railfuture, said: “It should become absolutely standard for all trains on the British railway network to have seamless connectivity, as it’s essential for attracting the smartphone connected generation to rail, as well as the business traveller… Very soon, trains without Wi-fi will become unthinkable.”