Question to the Department for Transport:

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, whether his Department is taking steps to help increase mobile phone connectivity on trainlines in the South West.

Complimentary Wi-Fi is available on all trains in the South West of England.

Good progress has recently been made by the Department in understanding the technical barriers of ensuring improved mobile phone connectivity, including in tunnels and rural areas. Research has been conducted to evaluate the characteristics of different tunnels, how they block signal and what technical solutions could be implemented to extend mobile coverage into tunnels. Additionally, research has been undertaken to look at the effect train carriage walls have on signals, which often impair the level of connectivity passengers can access.

These reports are both available to read via the following links:

Report on Mobile Connectivity in rolling stock –radio frequency attenuation characteristics

https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/1032931/mobile-connectivity-in-rolling-stock-radio-frequency-attenuation-characteristics.pdf

Report on GB Rail Tunnel Signal Propagation & Wireless Connectivity Options

https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/1098262/11160-DfT_220303_DfT_Tunnel_Propagation_Study_FINAL_accessible1.pdf

The Department is continuing to work closely with Network Rail, Department for Culture Media and Sport, and other Government departments to reduce the commercial and technical barriers to improving mobile connectivity along the entire rail corridor.