Mobile connectivity on the UK’s East Coast Main Line has received a boost. Collaboration between LNER, Network Rail and the private sector has resulted in the installation of a custom-built Distributed Antenna System inside two tunnels near London King’s Cross station.
Thousands of O2 customers’ calls and meetings will remain connected as they approach and leave London King’s Cross station. The Gasworks and Copenhagen tunnels are the first on the UK’s operational railway to benefit from this capability.
In the coming weeks, customers of the Three network are expected to benefit from similar improved connectivity.
Due to the unique infrastructure needed to maintain a mobile signal through London’s Gasworks and Copenhagen tunnels, Network Rail, LNER and Mobile Network Operators worked closely to build a bespoke solution to deliver a more reliable and consistent at-seat, mobile phone and on-train Wi-Fi connection.
The antennas underwent rigorous testing at Network Rail’s Innovation and Development Centre and were fitted to the tunnels by rail connectivity and technology integration specialists, Aureos.
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.”
Dr Robert Joyce, Director of Mobile Access Engineering at O2, commented:“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.”
Lord Peter Hendy, the UK’s Minister of State for Rail, said: “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.”
