Network Rail and telecoms companies, Neos Networks and Freshwave signed an agreement named Project Reach to boost connectivity and remove mobile signal blackspots on the Britain’s rail network.
The ground-breaking public-private partnership delivers on the government’s Plan for Change mission to kickstart economic growth with ultra fast fibre optic cable across country’s busiest rail lines.
This is a multi-year project with the first installation of mobile infrastructure expected to begin in 2026 and fully rolled out by 2028.
The new deal will eliminate mobile signal blackspots in tunnels on key rail routes up and down the country, transforming daily journeys for millions of passengers who currently face the frustration of dropped calls and interrupted streaming on key routes between London, Manchester, Newcastle and Cardiff.
The project’s innovative commercial model brings together public and private sector investment and infrastructure and is expected to save taxpayers around GBP 300 million (EUR 351.7 million) while creating a high-performing digital connectivity backbone for businesses, supporting the UK’s digital ambitions.
Project Reach will initially see Neos Networks deploy 1,000 km of ultra-fast fibre optic cable along the East Coast Main Line, parts of the West Coast Main Line and the Great Western Main Line, with ambition to expand beyond 5,000 kilometres in the near future.
In addition to this, Freshwave will tackle signal blackspots in 57 tunnels, covering almost 50 km, including the 4-kilometre-long Chipping Sodbury tunnel near Bristol.
“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,” Heidi Alexander, Secretary of State for Transport, said.
As part of the deal, mobile network operators will also invest in new 4G/5G infrastructure at 12 of the biggest Network Rail stations across the country including Birmingham New St, Bristol Temple Meads, Edinburgh Waverley, Euston, Glasgow Central, King’s Cross, Leeds, Liverpool Lime Street, Liverpool Street, Manchester Piccadilly, Paddington and Waterloo.
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