UK Government in About-Turn on Train WiFi – as DfT Examines Ways to Improve Train Connectivity – Hint Start by Attending Traincomms …

UK Government in About-Turn on Train WiFi – as DfT Examines Ways to Improve Train Connectivity – Hint Start by Attending Traincomms …

In a sharp shift from last year’s doom and gloom about on-train WiFi, civil servants at the UK’s Department for Transport have been asked to examine ways to boost wireless and mobile connectivity on the country’s rail network.

The move marks a complete reversal of policy from this time last year. At that time, the DfT seemed to be encouraging train operators to ditch WiFi services in a bid to cut costs.

However, a new government has since swept in and ministers, perhaps spurred on by their own experiences of getting internet access whilst train-bound, now seem much keener on the idea. In fact, the DfT was recently challenged in parliament, to show that it has “plans to improve WiFi connectivity on the rail network” – rather than eliminating these connections.

New minister for local transport, Simon Lightwood seems to have taken up the challenge. Though he did not specifically address WiFi, he did state that he has tasked civil servants to examine ways of ensuring better train to shore connectivity, The DfT is also working to understand, if not overcome, the extent of so-called not-spots along the length and breadth of the UK rail network.

“I have asked my officials to explore the feasibility of a range of technology options to improve passenger connectivity on the rail network,” Lightwood said. “The department is also measuring the strength of mobile signals along the rail network to fully understand where interventions are needed.”

Earlier this year, some four months prior to the General Election, the UK Labour Party, now in power, published a ‘Plan to Fix Britain’s Railways’ – including a pledge to ensure “better mobile connectivity and moving towards 5G”. Since then, Labour has formally established the Shadow, Great British Railways organisation, which, it says, will eventually be more passenger-focused and help unlock barriers to delivery.

Whilst looking into these matters, it is hard to see a better starting point than this year’s WiFi on Trains Conference in November…

On-board content, trackside delivery, satellite services and all aspects of WiFi on Trains will be put under the microscope at this year’s WiFi on Trains Conference, Traincomms 2024 in London on the 13^th and 14^th of November.

Please see: www.Traincomms.com

Traincomms 2024 is being sponsored by Huber+Suhner, Westermo, CGI, Boldyn Networks, Galgus and Icomera. Oxyfi, Antonics and Polomarconi will be exhibitors.

The latest programme is available here http://traincomms.com/#content2b

BWCS Consultancy

As many companies in this very niche sector look to sharpen their offering, grow their customer base and increase their revenues, remember that BWCS is available for ad hoc consultancy to support your aspirations. We have worked for a long list of players in the Traincomms market.  

Our core competencies include Understanding your markets, Growing your business, and Modelling your business options. Although we are best known for our work in the Transport sector, we also work in the Defence & Security and the Telecommunications Sectors too.

Please get in touch to discuss your requirements and if we can help we will, and if we can’t we will tell you so… ChrisBD@BWCS.com