Trains to up mobile coverage

The days of patchy mobile coverage for train travellers could be numbered if the Government gets its way, after urging Network Rail to improve the service for business people who rely heavily on working while commuting.
Culture minister Ed Vaizey has said the Department for Transport is taking the lead in discussions with Network Rail to help improve connectivity on trains.
Vaizey said: “We want coverage on trains. Network Rail’s network is an asset that could be opened if appropriate. We want something done in the next few months.”
He added that Network Rail was already involved in a £1bn project to build a new mobile infrastructure to improve its signalling system, including better communications between drivers and control centres, so access to mobile operators wanting to improve their own commercial networks along the tracks would be appropriate.
Network Rail has already been able to build mobile masts in areas where planning policy would otherwise have stood in its way.
The Department for Transport said: “[We] are keen to see an improvement in mobile services for passengers travelling by train and fully recognise the cross government interest in achieving this. We have called on Network Rail to improve mobile coverage along the rail route, and we are monitoring their progress in this area.”