The UK government has announced plans for faster and better mobile broadband connections on railway journeys.
Mobile signal on the busiest parts of the rail network will be improved by upgrading Network Rail’s existing infrastructure and installing new ‘Mobile Communications Gateway’ equipment on trains.
Over two-thirds of travellers are expected to see benefits by 2019, with the first improvements in place in around two years’ time.
Funding will be paid for by Network Rail, which maintains and develops Britain’s rail network, along with train operating companies and the mobile networks. Full details haven’t yet been worked out.
Patrick McLoughlin MP, Secretary of State for Transport, said “There are few things more frustrating than trying to phone a friend or access the internet, only to be thwarted by bad signal. Passengers deserve to have the best mobile technology and that is why I am pleased that industry is coming together to make that a reality. Be it hardworking commuters preparing for the day on their journey into work or leisure travellers making final plans for their weekend away, today’s announcement marks the beginning of the end of poor coverage on our railways.”