Signal struggles on trains widespread, Ofcom research finds
Train passengers in the UK face widespread mobile network failures, with connection tests failing up to 83% of the time, depending on the provider, according to a report by the regulator Ofcom.
The study measured mobile network performance across 24 segments of major railway lines in England, Scotland, and Wales. It defined “good performance” as a minimum download speed of 5Mbps, an upload speed of 1.5Mbps, and a response time under 50 milliseconds – the basic requirements needed to reliably stream content or make video calls.
The results revealed a severe deficit in trackside connectivity. EE emerged as the top-performing provider but still only achieved a 42% success rate. Three followed at 21%, O2 at 20% and Vodafone sat at the bottom with just a 17% success rate. The Basingstoke to Coventry route via Reading and Oxford was highlighted as one of the worst-performing lines in the country.
Worse still, the on-board Wi-Fi networks provided by train operators performed adequately just 1% of the time, a failure blamed on speed caps and outdated technology. Ofcom noted that trackside masts are frequently too weak to penetrate modern train carriages.
In response to the findings, Alex Tofts, strategist at Broadband Genie, comments:
“For too many people, stepping on board a train means going off-grid. These figures show that reliable connectivity on our railways is an exception rather than the rule, leaving commuters unable to work or stream reliably during their journeys.”
Gareth Elliott, Director of Policy and Communications, Mobile UK adds:
“Mobile UK welcomes Ofcom’s research, which highlights the unique structural and capacity challenges of delivering consistent connectivity on moving trains. Building the advanced infrastructure requires the right enabling environment, and we urge the Government to act now through the Mobile Market Review and planning reform to establish a supportive policy and regulatory framework.”
Ofcom has used the data to call for a co-ordinated national effort involving mobile networks, local authorities, and the government to overhaul transport connectivity.
It plans to push for better infrastructure deployment and is actively advising the government on options to improve signal strength on trains, including the potential allocation of additional wireless spectrum.
“People rightly expect connectivity they can count on – and delivering it will require a joined-up national effort,” says Natalie Black, Ofcom’s Group Director for Infrastructure and Connectivity.
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