The Rail Safety and Standards Board, on behalf of the Future Communications and Positioning Systems Advisory Group, has authorised a research project carried out by LS telcom UK. The focus of it was to support the British railway in its path to improve digital connectivity for customers.

What the research report proposes is a three to five year technology roadmap that will identify commercial deployment models to advance high-speed mobile internet connectivity for passengers. The study found out that wireless technology solutions are available within the suggested timeframe and that the deployment of internet connectivity depends on the business model adopted.

The Future Connected Rail Stakeholder Forum (FCRSF) and the Future Connected Train and Customer Communications Steering Group (FCTCCSG) also suggested that the study could boost cross-industry participation on the implementation of digital connectivity across the entire rail network. The purpose of the collaboration between these two groups is to bring together train companies and Network Rail to improve the railway.

“This work has helped us to identify the range of technical and commercial options available. It will inform the rail and digital industries on improving digital connectivity (mobile and broadband) across all of Britain’s rail network for the benefit of rail customers and the train operating companies, freight operating companies and rolling stock companies. In addition, the study will inform government of associated investment opportunities and the shaping of policies to maximize them. The study should generate the further essential collaboration between all relevant stakeholders, to enable the connectivity that Britain needs in the years to come,” said Nick Wilson from Rail Delivery Group on behalf of FCTCCSG.

The rail sector, the digital industries, and the government will join each other at an event taking place on the 6th of February at techUK, to discuss the report in the context of UK’s ambition on rail connectivity.