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Mobile Company Signs Up to Help Boost On-Train WiFi
(17 Feb 2016, BWCS Staff)Chiltern Railways and Icomera say they have signed a deal with UK mobile network operator EE to boost on-board WiFi and mobile coverage. The Arriva-owned train company says its goal is to eliminate so-called mobile black spots where connectivity drops off. EE will do this through a mixture of adding new base stations and building some trackside masts. Icomera provides the on-board connectivity solution but relies on mobile network operators to provide a decent signal on Chiltern’s routes.
The deal marks one of the first cases of mobile companies stepping up to improve wireless links along train lines, which have historically suffered from poor connectivity. Thomas Ableman, Commercial Director of Chiltern Railways said: “We were one of the first train companies to introduce free WiFi around five years ago on our London to Birmingham trains. Since then we’ve invested in 4G capability, however due to black spots on the line the service was limited in places. It was always our vision to deliver truly connected mobility.”
It is widely believed that the upgrade to Chiltern’s service will act as a test-bed for parent company, Arriva, who are looking to roll out similar initiatives to its other franchises – including Northern Rail – if the project is a success.
Marc Allera, CEO at EE said: “Our ambition is to connect people wherever they are. Trains – metal carriages that move at high speed – present unique challenges, and our network engineers are innovating to make sure that commuters can always connect. This is just the beginning of a new approach to building a mobile network that’s always there for our customers.
Chiltern Railways has already upgraded on-board technology ready for the launch which will be delivered in stages. The aim is to complete the roll out by December 2016.
The expanding market for on-board WiFi services as well as the problems of intermittent mobile coverage, proposed trackside solutions and other issues will all be covered in this year’s WiFi on Trains Conference hosted by BWCS. For more information on next year’s event please see www.Traincomms2016.com or contact Ross.Parsons@BWCS.com .
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