Connectivity on the UK’s west coast mainline rail route will be
improved over the next two years thanks to a new £45 million investment by rail company Avanti West
Coast.
The operator is investing the money in a deal with BT and its
mobile division EE to add nearly 200 cell masts on the route by June 2023 that
will enable faster, more reliable onboard train Wi-Fi and 4G mobile coverage.
The company said that travellers in Cheshire, Greater
Manchester, Merseyside, and Staffordshire as well as regions of Lancashire,
Cumbria, and Edinburgh would benefit, as would people living close to the new
masts.
Rail minister Chris Heaton-Harris said: “Avanti West Coast’s
upgrade work, supported by the Department for Transport, is a win for everyone
who uses, or lives close to the West Coast Main Line.
“Investing in better connectivity helps transform rail travel,
improving journeys for passengers by building a black-spot free network, with
the added benefit of supporting local communities.”
Phil Whittingham, managing director at Avanti West Coast, said: “It’s
a significant step towards better digital connectivity on the west coast main
line, which has never been more important. These improvements will enable our
customers to stay connected during their journey and be more productive onboard
our trains, while boosting mobile coverage for communities local to our route.”
Sarah Walker, BT corporate and public sector director, said:
“The west coast main line is one of the UK’s busiest transport routes and, as
more people begin returning to offices and others travel for leisure purposes,
they will enjoy an enhanced mobile service, delivering quality and reliable
connectivity whilst onboard.”