UK: On-train mobile phone and wi-fi connectivity on the East Coast Main Line has been improved with the installation of additional phone masts between Newcastle and Berwick-upon-Tweed in a project funded by LNER and delivered by Railsite Telecom and mobile network operators O2 and VodafoneThree.
‘This project is a brilliant example of the public and private sector coming together to find a solution to a problem’, said LNER Finance Director James Downey. ‘The Northumberland section of the East Coast Main Line is one of the most beautiful parts of our route, passing by rural villages and skimming stunning coastline. However, its geography made it challenging to eliminate those frustrating not-spots’
Dr Robert Joyce, Director of Mobile Access Engineering at O2, said ‘on top of the benefit to railway users, these upgrades will also improve coverage for communities in the local area and build upon our recent industry-leading Shared Rural Network rollout. This is a massive win-win and a project we are really excited about.’
