A joint project to improve mobile connectivity in tunnels on the East Coast Main Line is set to go live later this year.
Government-owned LNER is working with Network Rail and the UK’s mobile network operators to install new mobile phone infrastructure within the Gasworks and Copenhagen tunnels close to London’s King’s Cross station.
A bespoke antenna has been installed in the tunnels, meaning that from later this year “most customers will be able to maintain direct voice and data access to their mobile provider, keeping their calls connected and meetings online as they approach and leave the capital”.
The tunnels will be the first on the country’s operational railway to be fitted with the technology, with testing being carried out at Network Rail’s Innovation and Development Centre between Network Rail and the phone companies before introduction onto the network.
Commenting on the news James Downey, finance director at LNER said,
“Our customers have told us that reliable wifi and mobile connection is a key consideration when they are making decisions about travelling by train, with many expecting the connection on the train to be as strong as home.
“This section of our route is a popular spot for customers to make calls or send messages, as they approach London King’s Cross or just get comfortable in their seat to begin their journey north.
“Those calls, messages and meetings will now benefit from an improved, more reliable signal, meaning our customers can stay better connected.”
The project follows ongoing work by Transport for London to roll out high-speed mobile coverage across the London Underground, with the first phase of works recently completed on the Elizabeth Line.
TfL is targeting 80 per cent of the Tube network having mobile coverage by the end of 2024.