Presentations from the Trackside Connectivity on Britain’s Railways – Challenges and Next Steps held on Tuesday 6 February

1. Rail connectivity policy
Dr. Nick Munn, Head of Road and Rail Telecoms,
DCMS
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Contains public sector information licensed under the Open Government Licence v3.0

2. What’s the problem with rail connectivity?
● LS telcom study for RSSB outlines some issues
● Variable quality of service and experience across different routes, locations,
trains and devices - onboard is generally worse than off the train.
● Why is this a problem?
● Lost opportunities in digital rail, wider connectivity also?
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Trend Poor rail passenger connectivity means:
‘Always on’ connectivity Always on consumer = never on a train
IoT … stands for “Internet of Things that aren’t on trains”
Electronic payments & ticketing Now, where did I put that orange-striped bit of
cardboard again?

3. Key policy objectives
● Ambition of rail transport system with world class, fit for the future
connectivity
● Hence want improved rail passenger connectivity on mainline routes by
2025. Likely to mean new dedicated trackside digital infrastructure on busy
mainline routes.
● Meet growing passenger demand (more passengers, more use per
passenger). Busiest trains will need 1Gbps+ on current estimates - further
analysis from Ofcom in preparation.
● Exploit synergies with wider connectivity needs: digital railway, local full
fibre roll-out, etc.
● Maximise commercial investment in any additional infrastructure.
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4. Call for Evidence
● Improved connectivity on trains faces many challenges.
● Government and train operators have already worked with mobile network
operators to improve connectivity; more to do to meet growing passenger
needs and create new commercial opportunities.
● Joint DCMS-DfT Call for Evidence on commercial options for delivering
mobile connectivity on trains - published on 28 December and closing on 7
February. Responses by close tomorrow please!
● Seeking views on trackside infrastructure benefits, deployment, and potential
commercial models.
● Better evidence better, quicker decisions.
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www.gov.uk/government/consultations/commercial-options-
for-delivering-mobile-connectivity-on-trains-call-for-evidence

5. Trans Pennine Initiative - a step forward
1. At Budget we announced £35m of funding for rail passenger connectivity, to
include trials of multiple track to train solutions on the Trans Pennine route.
2. The route was chosen for a number of reasons:
a. Its challenging topography, including deep cuttings and tunnels of up to 4.9km.
b. A varied demographic of passenger, including commuters and long distance travellers.
c. The route will be one of the last to benefit from connectivity upgrades delivered through TOC
franchise renewals.
d. It will contribute to the objectives of the Northern Powerhouse.
3. The trials will involve deploying fibre and masts along the rail corridor, with
radio kit installed on the masts to provide backhaul to the train.
4. Trial’s infrastructure expected to go live on a section of route by end of 2018.
5. Suppliers on the trials will be selected through an open competition. We will
announce details of this in due course.
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6. Next steps
● Selection of Trans Pennine Trial participants - process tba
● Government to publish summary of responses to our Call for Evidence
● Further engagement to develop models for commercial participation
● Any questions? Contact us - roadrailtelecoms@culture.gov.uk
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