A strategic partnership between Network Rail, Freshwave, and Neos Networks aims to improve the UK’s rail telecoms network by eliminating signal blackspots and modernising the infrastructure. Neos Networks will be responsible for deploying 1,000 kilometres of fibre optic cable along key railway lines, including the East Coast Main Line, Chiltern Main Line, and West Coast Main Line. The initiative will also commercialise spare fibre capacity, creating a robust digital connectivity backbone for businesses. The partners have plans to extend this network to over 5,000 kilometres in the future.
The collaboration addresses the growing demand for high-performance digital infrastructure, driven by factors such as AI growth and data centre capacity. Freshwave will address signal gaps by deploying mobile infrastructure in 57 tunnels along major rail routes, including the 4 km-long Chipping Sodbury tunnel. Mobile connectivity will also be enhanced at 12 key stations, such as Birmingham New Street, Glasgow Central, and King’s Cross, with installations expected to begin in 2026.
These upgrades are crucial for improving Network Rail’s asset monitoring capabilities and enabling advanced technologies like trackside sensors and CCTV. The enhanced network is expected to bring long-term economic benefits, contributing to the UK’s digital future and supporting the formation of Great British Railways.
