AWTG Wins Connected Heartland Deal

England’s Connected Heartland 5G Rail project in Buckinghamshire has selected technology solutions provide AWTG to supply it with a 5G private mobile network. The trial’s backer, Oxfordshire County Council, carried out a public procurement exercise to determine who should supply the trackside infrastructure.

Besides the Council, the 5G project is being supported by the UK government in the shape of the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology. The overall aim of the trial has been to benefit not only train passengers but to offer improved connectivity to businesses and residents along the route. There will be an extension of fixed wireless broadband to rural communities and trackside business parks, and to farms to support agri-tech applications.

Oxfordshire County Council leader, Liz Leffman, said: “This ambitious project represents a significant leap forward in improving onboard passenger connectivity, and better connecting Oxfordshire’s rural communities.” She said in a statement, “I am optimistic it will become a blueprint to be replicated on other similar railway routes both locally and nationally.”

The 5G rail project aims to develop a combined revenue commercial model for delivering enhanced passenger connectivity through on-board WiFi. Train companies will also be able to offload data collected on-board their services for operational purposes.
AWTG’s CEO, Abbey Alidoosti, said, “The opportunity to address connectivity issues through this project is incredibly exciting, it provides a blueprint on the best solution for connectivity for rail passengers and trackside communities.”

He went on, “We look forward to deploying a solution that not only boosts the passenger experience but also offers invaluable support to the railway industry as a whole. We are eager to see the outcomes of this initiative and its positive impact on the community and businesses.”

The railway line between Bicester Village and Bletchley is part of the East West Rail project, aimed at improving train connectivity between Oxford and Cambridge. Passenger services are expected to begin between Bicester and Bletchley in 2025.

The growing demand for trackside connectivity and possible satellite broadband delivery will be one of the main features of next year’s Traincomms Conference in London (www.Traincomms.com ).

This year’s Conference was sponsored by Huber+Suhner, Westermo, CGI, Boldyn Networks, Galgus and Icomera. Oxyfi, Antonics and Polomarconi were exhibitors.
For more information on speaking, sponsoring and attending the 2025 Conference please contact Ross.Parsons@BWCS.com

The 2024 programme is available here http://traincomms.com/#content2b