Project Reach rail connectivity upgrade to boost UK network

The Project Reach rail connectivity upgrade aims to transform digital infrastructure across key UK train routes, enhancing mobile access and enabling future-ready railway technologies through public-private partnership. This is reported by the railway transport news portal Railway Supply.

Network Rail has launched an ambitious collaboration with the Digital Reach Partners consortium—comprised of Neos Networks and Freshwave—to deliver wide-scale digital improvements across Britain’s railways. This initiative will strengthen mobile coverage and lay the foundation for advanced applications such as trackside sensors, CCTV, and asset monitoring.

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Neos to Lead Fibre Rollout for Project Reach rail connectivity upgrade

Neos Networks will install 1,000 km of ultra-fast fibre optic cable along strategic routes including the East Coast Main Line from London King’s Cross to Newcastle, the Chiltern Main Line to Birmingham, the West Coast Main Line to Manchester, and the Great Western route to Cardiff. In exchange, Neos gains the rights to commercialize unused capacity, building a high-speed network backbone for businesses and data centers. Expansion plans include over 5,000 km of fibre in the near term.

Stations and Tunnels to Benefit from Project Reach rail connectivity upgrade

Freshwave will partner with EE, O2, and VodafoneThree to deliver 4G mobile services with future 5G readiness across 57 tunnels—nearly 50 km in length—on major corridors. Key stations including London Euston, Paddington, King’s Cross, and regional hubs like Manchester Piccadilly and Birmingham New Street will also receive new infrastructure.

The UK government has committed £41 million from its Spending Review to fund early development, while the initial mobile installations will begin in 2026 and complete by 2028. Network Rail will provide £100 million in capital and commit to service payments estimated between £85 million and £95 million. Projected revenue for the private partners from fibre and mobile infrastructure usage is expected to reach £740 million.

The concession spans 37 years with options for a 10-year extension or a 30-year renewal. Network Rail’s CFO Jeremy Westlake emphasized that this model accelerates digital upgrades while delivering long-term value for the public and improving national rail connectivity.

Source, photo: www.railwaygazette.com

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