Mobile networks typically offer a poor-quality service to train passengers, according to research from media regulator Ofcom, which has called for a nationwide effort to improve the state of mobile service in the UK.

Ofcom’s research measured mobile performance across 24 segments of key railway lines covering England, Scotland and Wales, making it the most comprehensive dedicated study available on the subject to date. It looked at how often a phone could achieve good performance, defined as minimum download speeds of 5 Mbits per second, upload speeds of at least 1.5 Mbits per second, and a response time of 50 milliseconds or less, which would typically let people make video calls, stream content or scroll social media.

The research found that EE met those standards on 42 per cent of the segments of railway lines that were measured, Three on 21 per cent, O2 on 20 per cent and Vodafone on 17 per cent.

The results, which reflect the reality for passengers on lines up and down the country, show that for too many people, stepping on board can mean going off grid.

The research highlights the core problem that mobile signal from masts on the ground often isn’t strong enough around train lines and that some carriage types are difficult for signals to pass through.

On-board Wi-Fi provided by train companies was also measured and performed well just 1% of the time. This was largely due to outdated technology delivering the service, as well as speed caps.

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The report sets out that, though the UK’s mobile networks have invested £10 billion since 2020 and the prices paid by an average user have fallen by 20 per cent in real terms, the reliability and smoothness of people’s experiences still isn’t consistent or good enough.

Tackling this issue demands a national effort in which the mobile industry, local authorities, Government, building developers, major landlords and Ofcom all play their respective roles, said the media regulator.

Key areas include:

• Investment from mobile companies. Vodafone-Three has made a legally binding £11 billion investment commitment. Ofcom will monitor delivery and enforce compliance, alongside the CMA which holds the formal undertakings. We expect other networks to respond with their own investment, and collectively this will be a key driver of improvements.
• Local authorities stepping up. Refusal rates on applications by mobile networks to install or upgrade infrastructure vary significantly. Ofcom found that some local authorities, such as Richmond upon Thames, Glasgow and Cardiff, refused more than nine in 10 prior approval applications from mobile operators in the last five years. Ofcom want sto help make sure they have the data they need to make informed decisions, and will also support Government in its review of planning framework for telecoms developments in England.
• Developers and major landlords taking a more active role. The largest buildings, like shopping centres, would be best served by having dedicated mobile infrastructure indoors rather than relying on signal from outside, and Ofcom will look at how it can help facilitate more investment in these settings.
• Raising the bar for mobile networks. Ofcom is proposing to update the way it measures how mobile networks are doing, using crowdsourced data to shine a light on whether they deliver a good performance at least 90 per cent of the time.
• Government engagement on trains. Competition between mobile networks alone won’t be enough to improve mobile signal on trains, and the Government is currently considering options for how it can help. As well as providing technical advice to Government to help inform its approach, Ofcom will also look at whether more spectrum – the airwaves all wireless technology relies on – is required.
• Harnessing new technology. Innovative solutions like satellite technology and spectrum sharing could be part of the answer, particularly in rural areas, and Ofcom says it continue play a part in ensuring the UK is at the forefront of realising their benefits.

Ofcom’s Group Director for Infrastructure and Connectivity, Natalie Black, commented: “People rightly expect connectivity they can count on — and delivering it will require a joined‑up national effort. We are determined to play our part and will work closely with industry, government, local authorities and others to break down barriers standing in the way of progress, so we can enable economic growth, make everyday life more seamless, and ensure people get more out of the service they pay for.”

Responding to the news, Mobile UK, the representative body for the UK’s mobile network operators, said: “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. Dedicated public investment is also critical to tackle complex trackside blackspots, as commercial rollout alone cannot bridge the gap on the rail network. We look forward to working with Government and Ofcom to achieve this, balancing the need for major investment with Ofcom’s vital role in maintaining low costs for consumers.”

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Categories: Articles, Broadband, Mobile, Research

Tags: 5G, EE, mobile, Ofcom, train, Vodafone