In a deal that offers significant savings for the taxpayer, Network Rail has entered exclusive discussions with a private sector consortium for a long-term partnership to upgrade its ageing telecommunications infrastructure and improve connectivity across the UK.

The project was launched two years ago and the parties expect to reach an agreement by mid-2023. It aims to:

• accelerate upgrades to trackside fibres and masts so that the telecoms network is future-proofed;
• enhance wireless connectivity on trains and in stations;
• improve data-driven train performance and safety systems;
• align with the Government’s levelling-up agenda;
• support current objectives to improve connectivity across Britain.

Network Rail’s partners in the consortium are two private sector businesses that are both market leaders in the development of mobile tower and fibre assets. In return for granting the companies rights to commercialise the network, the third-party funding will help to speed up the upgrades that are needed to Network Rail’s ageing telecoms infrastructure.

By installing new fibre optic cables and mobile towers across Network Rail’s estate, the partnership will help to future-proof Network Rail’s telecoms infrastructure.

The upgraded connectivity will help Network Rail move towards an efficient, data-driven railway, which will lead to improvements to train performance and safety. It will result in benefits for passengers including better Wi-Fi on trains and in stations and also help to achieve the government’s plans to speed up the rollout of high-quality broadband to harder-to-reach rural communities and support its levelling up initiatives.

Harriet Hepburn, Network Rail’s Corporate Finance Director, said: “This is an exciting opportunity for Network Rail, and we are excited at the prospect of entering this long-term partnership. The proposal provides a comprehensive package that will deliver real benefits for passengers and the railway, and also significant savings for the UK tax-payer.”