A new UK deal to eliminate mobile signal blackspots on Britain’s busiest rail routes has been signed.

The “breakthrough” agreement aims to improve daily journeys for millions of passengers who currently face the frustration of dropped calls and interrupted streaming on key routes between London, Manchester, Newcastle, and Cardiff.

The deal, called “Project Reach,” has been signed between Network Rail and telecoms companies Neos Networks and Freshwave. The first installation of mobile infrastructure is expected to begin in 2026, and to be fully rolled out by 2028.

It will initially see Neos Networks deploy 1,000 kilometres of ultra-fast fibre optic cable along the East Coast Main Line, parts of the West Coast Main Line, and the Great Western Main Line, with ambition to expand beyond 5,000 kilometres in the near future.

Meanwhile, Freshwave is to tackle signal blackspots in 57 tunnels, covering almost 50 kilometres, including the 4-kilometre-long Chipping Sodbury tunnel near Bristol.

As part of the deal, mobile network operators will also invest in new 4G/5G infrastructure at 12 of the biggest Network Rail stations across the country, including Edinburgh Waverley, Glasgow Central, Birmingham New St., Liverpool Lime Street, Manchester Piccadilly, and more.

The project builds on £41 million confirmed in the UK Government’s National Infrastructure Strategy to introduce low-earth-orbit satellite connectivity on all mainline trains, aiming to significantly improve both the availability and internet data connection speeds for WiFi-connected passengers.

“This is a game changer for passengers up and down the country and will revolutionise journeys from Paddington to Penzance and Edinburgh to Euston,” said Heidi Alexander, secretary of state for transport.

“By boosting connectivity and tackling signal blackspots, we are also ensuring a more reliable and efficient service.

“This means better journeys for passengers while supporting our broader Plan for Change goals of economic growth and digital innovation.”

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Jacqueline Starr, executive chair and chief executive officer of Rail Delivery Group, also commented: “We know how much customers value good mobile connections when they travel and we’re delighted that a digitally connected railway will soon become a reality.

“Travelling by rail drives economic growth by connecting businesses and communities, improving productivity, and supporting the transition to net zero.

“This vital upgrade to telecoms across the network will give everyone the opportunity to stay connected, wherever they’re headed.”