5G RailNext Explores Commuter 5G Experience

5G RailNext to provide track-to-train connectivity between Buchanan Street and St Enoch stations.

07:27 09 September 2021

A pioneering 5G project is set to connect passengers on an underground train on Glasgow's historic subway. 

 

5GRailNext will see the installation of a private 5G network that will provide track-to-track connectivity between Buchanan Street and St Enoch stations. 

 

A private and public consortium led by Cisco has partnered with SMEs Ampletime and Sublime as well as the University of Strathclyde, Glasgow City Council and Strathclyde Partnership for Transport as they explore the possibility of delivering personalised advertising content through the 5G connectivity. 

 

Principal and Vice-Chancellor of the University of Strathclyde, Professor Sir Jim McDonald, said: "The University of Strathclyde has vast experience of developing private 5G networks to create affordable connectivity solutions in both urban and rural locations, as well as hosting the Scotland 5G Centre in our Technology and Innovation Centre at Strathclyde."

 

"We are delighted to be building upon our strategic relationship with Cisco, and our other industry and UK Government partners, on this exciting transport project." 

 

Dr David Crawford, 5G Engineering Director from the University of Strathclyde, said: “5G RailNext has shown that 5G mobile technology is well-suited to providing track-to-train connectivity inside tunnels for underground railway systems.

 

"The deployed infrastructure created a unique test environment, and by testing 5G in these technically challenging contexts, we have a much clearer idea of what is feasible and how consumers can be reached with personalised and engaging information and entertainment content, delivered through new forms of interactive media.”