Project Reach will eliminate mobile signal blackspots on key rail routes

Transport Secretary Heidi Alexander has launched Project Reach, a public-private partnership deal to provide ultra-fast fibre optic cable across major rail lines removing mobile signal blackspots on the rail network.

The agreement between Network Rail and telecoms companies, Neos Networks and Freshwave, will transform journeys for passengers who currently face the frustration of dropped calls and interrupted streaming on key routes between London, Manchester, Newcastle and Cardiff.

The first installation of mobile infrastructure is expected to begin in 2026 and should be fully rolled out by 2028. The enhanced network will also enable better monitoring of railway assets and facilitate new technologies that rely on improved connectivity, paving the way for more reliable train services and improved safety for railway workers.

Project Reach will initially see Neos Networks deploy 1,000km of ultra-fast fibre optic cable along the East Coast Main Line, parts of the West Coast Main Line and the Great Western Main Line, with the ambition to expand to beyond 5,000km. Freshwave will tackle signal blackspots in 57 tunnels, covering almost 50km.

The project’s commercial model brings together public and private sector investment and infrastructure and is expected to save taxpayers around £300 million while creating a high-performing digital connectivity backbone for businesses, supporting the UK’s digital ambitions.

As part of the deal, mobile network operators will also invest in new 4G/5G infrastructure at 12 of the biggest Network Rail stations across the country including Birmingham New St, Bristol Temple Meads, Edinburgh Waverley, Euston, Glasgow Central, King’s Cross, Leeds, Liverpool Lime Street, Liverpool Street, Manchester Piccadilly, Paddington and Waterloo.

Jeremy Westlake, Network Rail’s Chief Financial Officer said, “This investment model will deliver the necessary upgrades to our telecoms infrastructure faster whilst offering significant value-for-money for the taxpayer and stimulating wider economic benefits across the country.

“As we move towards becoming a unified railway with the formation of Great British Railways, the enhanced telecoms infrastructure will play a key role in our ambition to provide a data-driven railway of the future, delivering better connectivity and a better, more reliable train service for our passengers.

Jacqueline Starr, Executive Chair and Chief Executive Officer of Rail Delivery Group said, “We know how much customers value good mobile connections when they travel. This vital upgrade to telecoms across the network will give everyone the opportunity to stay connected, wherever they’re headed.”