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Millions of Britons will unlock an upgraded 4G and 5G signal as they travel on the UK's major train routes, the Department for Transport (DfT) has announced.
It's all thanks to a new plan to eliminate almost all mobile signal blackspots across the country. The Government-owned Network Rail has signed a new agreement with telecom companies Neos Networks and Freshwave to quash dropped calls and weak internet connections when travelling by train.
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Dubbed Project Reach, the first step will see Neos Networks install 1,000km (621 miles) of ultra-fast fibre optic cable along parts of the East Coast Main Line, West Coast Main Line, Great Western Main Line and Chiltern Main Line. There is an ambition to expand the cabling beyond 5,000km (3,107 miles) in the “near future”, the DfT confirmed.
Meanwhile, Freshwave will tackle blackspots in 57 tunnels covering nearly 50km (31 miles), including the Chipping Sodbury tunnel near Bristol. As part of the deal, mobile network operators will also invest in new 4G and 5G infrastructure at these 12 railway stations: Birmingham New Street, Bristol Temple Meads, Edinburgh Waverley, Euston, Glasgow Central, King’s Cross, Leeds, Liverpool Lime Street, Liverpool Street, Manchester Piccadilly, Paddington and Waterloo.
The DfT said the agreement “brings together public and private sector investment and infrastructure”, and hopes to save taxpayers “around £300 million”.
Transport Secretary Heidi Alexander said: “This is a game-changer for passengers up and down the country, and will revolutionise journeys from Paddington to Penzance and Edinburgh to Euston.
"By boosting connectivity and tackling signal blackspots, we are also ensuring a more reliable and efficient service. This means better journeys for passengers while supporting our broader plan for change goals of economic growth and digital innovation.”
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It builds on the efforts of the Shared Rural Network programme, which enables mobile operators to share the costs and coverage from masts in tough-to-reach places. The image above shows a helicopter being deployed by Virgin Media O2 to build a mast as part of the ongoing efforts to extend 4G signal across the UK
SHARED RURAL NETWORK PRESS OFFICEJacqueline Starr, executive chair and chief executive officer of Rail Delivery Group, said: “We know how much customers value good mobile connections when they travel and we’re delighted that a digitally connected railway will soon become a reality.
"Travelling by rail drives economic growth by connecting businesses and communities, improving productivity, and supporting the transition to net zero. This vital upgrade to telecoms across the network will give everyone the opportunity to stay connected, wherever they’re headed.”
The installation of infrastructure under Project Reach is expected to begin next year and be completed by 2028.
Additional Reporting By Neil Lancefield, PA Transport Correspondent
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