Project Reach: 5 Powerful Ways UK Train Signal Will Improve by 2028
Published: June 2025-Train
Table of Contents
From patchy 4G and dead zones to fast and continuous connectivity—Network Rail’s Project Reach is the UK’s major telecoms upgrade on railways. With the goal of tackling mobile signal blackspots and improving digital infrastructure, the project promises a step-change by 2028.
1. Filling the Not‑Spot Gaps Under London
Custom-designed Distributed Antenna Systems have already been installed inside the Gasworks and Copenhagen tunnels near King’s Cross. This marks the first-ever live railway use of this technology, and riders on O2 (with Three coming soon) can finally stay connected through those dark patches :contentReference[oaicite:1]{index=1}.
2. Hundreds of Kilometres of Fibre Across Main Lines
Under Project Reach, partners Neos Networks will deploy up to 1,000 km of new high-count fibre along the East Coast, West Coast, Chiltern, and Great Western Main Lines. This will support rail systems, station Wi‑Fi, CCTV, and train connectivity—and set the stage for future expansion :contentReference[oaicite:2]{index=2}.
3. 4G/5G Masts at Major Stations and Tunnels
Freshwave, in collaboration with mobile operators, is rolling out 4G/5G masts at 57 tunnels and 12 mainline stations—including Euston, Paddington, and Liverpool Street—ensuring mobile signals will work underground and onboard trains by 2028 :contentReference[oaicite:3]{index=3}.
4. Enhanced Passenger Travel Experience
Reliable signal means uninterrupted video calls, streaming, real‑time transit updates, and the ability to work on the move. With 5G standalone forecast to save UK train users £1 billion annually in productivity :contentReference[oaicite:4]{index=4}, passengers stand to gain considerably.
5. Smarter, Safer, Digital Railways
Next-gen telecoms will power trackside sensors, digital signalling, and advanced maintenance systems—boosting safety, reducing delays, and enabling Britain’s rail network to evolve into a data-driven system :contentReference[oaicite:5]{index=5}.
How It’s Being Delivered
This is a collaborative effort involving Network Rail, Neos, Freshwave, mobile operators, LNER, and UK government backing. Private sector investment is helping fund the build-out while Network Rail provides the core infrastructure :contentReference[oaicite:6]{index=6}.
The Road to 2028
Equipment rollout began in 2024, with live tunnel tests under Kent and London. Full deployment across main lines is set to happen between 2026 and 2028, with early benefits already visible to passengers :contentReference[oaicite:7]{index=7}.
Why This Matters
- ✅ For commuters: Less frustration, more productivity during travel.
- ✅ For safety: Enhanced CCTV and real‑time alerts.
- ✅ For connectivity: Faster broadband and rural digital inclusion.
- ✅ For rail innovation: Enables 5G services like FRMCS and digital signalling :contentReference[oaicite:8]{index=8}.
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