Improved Mobile Connectivity on UK Trains by 2028

By 2028, several major UK railway lines and train tunnels will have eliminated mobile phone blackspots, as part of an agreement between Network Rail and two private telecom companies. Network Rail, which is government-owned, has announced a deal aimed at improving 4G and 5G coverage for passengers who have struggled with weak calls and internet connections. The project, called Project Reach, will begin in 2024 and involves the installation of 1,000km of fibre optic cables along key routes including the East Coast and West Coast Main Lines. The goal is to expand coverage to more than 5,000km in the future. Additionally, Freshwave will address connectivity issues in 57 tunnels across nearly 50km of track, including the Chipping Sodbury tunnel. Major stations such as Birmingham New Street, Bristol Temple Meads, and Edinburgh Waverley will also see upgrades. The government has touted the deal as a game-changer, improving both passenger experience and supporting broader goals for economic growth and digital innovation. Importantly, private investment from telecom companies will save taxpayers £300m, offering a faster, cost-effective way to modernize the infrastructure.