Better Mobile Coverage Getting Closer on East Coast Mainline

The London North Eastern Railway (LNER) has reported that their joint project to deploy new 4G / 5G mobile network infrastructure into train tunnels outside London King’s Cross station has reached a key milestone, with a new (bespoke) antenna being installed inside the Gasworks and Copenhagen tunnels.

The project, which is being supported by Network Rail and using new technology from Linbrooke, should mean that customers travelling through the tunnels will eventually receive a “more reliable and consistent mobile phone and on-train Wi-Fi connection” (calls, texts and mobile broadband), as well as “the removal of ‘not-spots’“. This will no doubt complement the similar work that Transport for London (TfL) are currently doing on the underground.

The tunnels will be the first on the country’s operational railway to be fitted with the bespoke solution, which is set to go live sometime “later this year“. The announcement talks about the work being supported by the “major mobile network operators“, although only O2 (VMO2) is quoted on the announcement.

James Downey, Finance Director at LNER, said:

“Our customers have told us that reliable Wi-Fi 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.”

A Virgin Media O2 spokesperson said:

“Virgin Media O2 is focused on improving the network experience for our customers wherever they are and closing any “not spots” that exist for them. This project will help to ensure they are able to get quality mobile coverage on the move and enable them to stay connected when leaving and approaching London King’s Cross Station.”

Rigorous testing was carried out on the new kit, prior to deployment, at Network Rail’s Innovation and Development Centre between Network Rail and the phone companies before introduction onto the network. Credits to forum member hle13 for spotting this.