5G and the Transport Sector

Government to explore how 5G can boost transport sector and improve communications on the UK’s main railway lines.

11:05 27 August 2018

The Government is set to launch a program designed to explore how 5G can benefit the transport sector. It invites technology companies to participate in a trial that aims to identify smart solutions to existing problems. Participants will have the opportunity to deploy trial equipment on the route between Manchester and Leeds.

 

The Trans Pennine Initiative (TPI) hopes to identify ways of providing high quality connectivity to passengers using trackside infrastructure while also finding solutions related to access, process and costs.

 

The UK has been constantly looking for ways to improve connectivity in the transport sector and has been using revenue generated from fines imposed on Network Rail to improve matters.

 

 

Digital minister Margot James said: “The importance of fast, reliable and uninterrupted connectivity on our rail network is only going to increase. Projects like the Trans Pennine Initiative will be instrumental in delivering this for passengers and are all part of our commitment to make the UK a world leader in 5G.”

 

The project is part of the 5GTT program, a government-backed 5G testbeds and trials initiative with Network Rail as the lead partner. Other initiatives have also obtained up to £5million funding from the government to explore the use of 5G in various sectors.