Phone signal on trains not good enough most of the time, research says
Train Wi-Fi and Mobile Signals Fail to Meet User Expectations in New Report
A recent investigation by Ofcom, the UK’s media regulator, reveals that mobile connectivity on British trains is frequently insufficient for basic digital activities. The report indicates that passengers are often unable to scroll through social media feeds or stream video content due to poor signal strength.
The findings highlight significant performance gaps across major networks. Vodafone achieved Ofcom’s benchmark for "good performance" in only 17% of cases. While EE emerged as the top-performing provider, it still met these standards just 42% of the time. Other networks fared similarly poorly: Three satisfied the criteria 21% of the time, and O2 did so 20% of the time.
Ofcom defined "good signal" as a download speed of at least 5 megabits per second, an upload speed of 1.5 megabits per second, and a response time of 50 milliseconds. These thresholds represent the minimum requirements for making video calls and streaming, yet they are notably lower than average 4G speeds. Despite this low bar, networks struggled to maintain connectivity. The regulator concluded that for many commuters, boarding a train effectively means losing internet access.
The primary causes identified include weak signals from infrastructure masts located near railway lines and the physical properties of certain train carriages, which block signal penetration. To gather this data, Ofcom conducted tests on 24 track sections across England, Scotland, and Wales.
The report also criticized train-operating companies, noting that onboard Wi-Fi performed adequately only 1% of the time. Ofcom attributed this failure to the use of outdated technology and excessive speed throttling. In response to these connectivity issues, government sources indicated in May that plans were underway to enhance train Wi-Fi by incorporating low-earth satellite connections, moving beyond reliance on traditional 4G and 5G networks. The Department for Transport (DfT) has allocated ÂŁ57 million for this initiative, with Transport Secretary Heidi Alexander expected to officially unveil the strategy this summer.
Mobile UK, the industry body representing EE, Virgin Media O2, and Vodafone Three, acknowledged the difficulties inherent in the rail environment. The group cited "unique structural and capacity challenges" in maintaining robust signals. It urged the government to accelerate planning reforms and increase investment, arguing that commercial rollout alone is insufficient to eliminate black spots on the rail network. Consequently, Mobile UK suggested that taxpayers should contribute to funding infrastructure in areas where commercial viability is low.
However, the regulator pointed to another obstacle: regulatory hurdles. Ofcom noted that over the past five years, more than nine out of ten applications for new or upgraded mobile infrastructure submitted by networks to local authorities were rejected. The regulator called on both mobile operators and local councils to collaborate more effectively to improve service reliability nationwide.
Mobile UK emphasized the need to balance substantial investment with Ofcom’s mandate to keep consumer costs low. The Department for Science, Innovation and Technology has been approached for comment regarding these findings.
Source: BBC News Generated at: 2026-06-03 14:21:22 UTC
