In a railway first, mobile connectivity on the East Coast Main Line has received a major boost, thanks to collaboration between LNER, Network Rail and the private sector.
Thousands of O2 customers will now be able to keep their calls connected and meetings online as they approach and leave London King’s Cross station. It follows the completion of work on a custom-built Distributed Antenna System which has been fitted inside two tunnels. In the coming weeks Three customers are expected to benefit from the same improved connectivity.
Due to the unique infrastructure needed to maintain a mobile signal through Gasworks and Copenhagen tunnels, Network Rail, LNER and Mobile Network Operators (MNOs) worked closely to build a bespoke solution which delivers a more reliable and consistent at-seat, mobile phone and on-train Wi-Fi connection.
The antennas went through rigorous testing at Network Rail’s Innovation and Development Centre and were fitted to the tunnels by rail connectivity and technology integration specialists, Aureos.
The Gasworks and Copenhagen tunnels are the first on the UK’s operational railway to benefit from this capability.
David Horne, Managing Director at LNER, said: “This project has been a fantastic example of the rail industry and mobile operators coming together to develop and deliver a bespoke solution which improves overall customer experience. We know that a reliable mobile phone and Wi-Fi connection is important to our customers, so we’re incredibly proud of the role we’ve played in helping to improve connectivity.”
Helen Cavanagh, Network Rail Head of Passenger Experience, East Coast route, said: “We all know the importance of connectivity in modern life, and we also know the time when passengers are approaching or leaving London King’s Cross is a particularly important one for making contact with friends and family. The successful delivery of this project will make this more convenient for passengers, enhancing their experience of travelling on the East Coast Main Line.”
Dr Robert Joyce, Director of Mobile Access Engineering at O2, said: “As part of our Mobile Transformation Plan, we are focusing investment into parts of the network that experience the highest levels of demand and areas where connectivity is most critical. Our work with LNER and Network Rail will bring reliable coverage to the Gasworks and Copenhagen tunnels and provide dependable connectivity to our customers in moments that matter.”
Alex Walls, Senior Project Manager at Aureos, said: "We are thrilled to have played a crucial role in enhancing mobile connectivity on the East Coast Main Line by installing custom-built antennas in the Gasworks and Copenhagen tunnels. This project showcases our expertise in rail connectivity and technology integration, and we are proud to contribute to a solution that significantly improves the customer experience for thousands of passengers.”
Rail Minister Lord Peter Hendy said: “This is a perfect example of track and train coming together to provide tangible improvements ahead of Great British Railways and shows our commitment to putting passenger experience at the top of the rail agenda. An integrated railway can be a driving force for innovative and smart solutions that make train travel more comfortable and convenient and deliver changes that passengers actually want.”
Image and video credit: LNER
