(Image Credit: iStockPhoto/deimagine)
We rely on constant internet access more than ever—on trains, phones and tablets have become essential tools for work, entertainment and staying connected. Yet as many commuters know, coverage often drops when trains enter tunnels or travel through rural stretches, interrupting calls, video streams and online games.
Chiltern Railways has responded to that frustration by partnering with EE, the UK’s largest mobile operator, to provide more consistent connectivity across its services. Under the agreement, EE will install additional network capacity and extend coverage using a wireless trackside network designed to reduce the “black spots” that leave passengers disconnected.
Thomas Ableman, Commercial Director of Chiltern Railways, said the company has been improving onboard connectivity for years. “We were one of the first train companies to introduce free WiFi about five years ago on our London-to-Birmingham services. Since then we’ve added 4G capability, but coverage gaps remained in some areas. Our vision has always been truly connected mobility, and this partnership with EE moves us much closer: Chiltern will now offer some of the fastest, most reliable WiFi available on UK trains. That makes it easier to work while travelling.”
EE has a reputation for broad, fast and reliable coverage across the UK. Chiltern’s route will serve as a testbed for Arriva, Chiltern’s parent company, which plans to evaluate the results and consider extending similar trackside network solutions to other franchises, such as Northern Rail, pending a successful rollout.
Marc Allera, CEO of EE, said: “Our goal is to keep people connected wherever they are. Trains present unique challenges—metal carriages moving at speed can create complex connectivity issues—and our engineers are developing new approaches to ensure commuters can stay online. This project represents the start of a different way of building mobile coverage that aims to be available for customers at all times.”
Chiltern Railways has already upgraded onboard systems to support the improved service. The rollout will be phased across the network, with the objective of completing installation by December 2016.
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