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Notes to Editors

Lazard & Co., Limited is acting as the exclusive financial advisor to Network Rail on the transaction.

Telecoms upgrade

Network Rail Telecom (NRT) manage the voice, data and radio networks that underpin the smooth running of rail services across Great Britain.  The c.16,000Km of trackside fibre optic cable supports a wider range of services including signalling for trains, station information and security systems, train and trackside voice and data comms, and corporate networks for depots and offices.  The existing fibre cable is near the end of useful life, or is at full capacity, and requires upgrading imminently.

Network Rail’s train communications system, the GSM-R network, is based on 2G mobile technology and, in line with Railways across Europe, this will need to be upgraded to a 5G-based FRMCS radio solution within the next decade.  The new FRMCS solution will support high data volumes and enable expanded use cases including the next generation of signalling services. New mast infrastructure will be required to support the delivery of these services.

Benefits

The proposed network upgrade will result in benefits for rail passengers, frontline rail workers and those living in rural areas including:

• Train performance: Enhancing telecoms infrastructure will enable an improved railway – trains, signalling and level crossings will be better connected than before - ultimately reducing delays and disruption.
• Safety: The enhanced network will allow Network Rail to monitor the condition of railway assets more effectively, meaning that faults can be identified and located in real-time. This reduces the number of manual inspections required to be undertaken by frontline workers and supports a more targeted approach to engineering.
• Connectivity: The deployment of new fibre optic cable, and new mast infrastructure along major rail routes will improve connectivity for train passengers by enabling an uninterrupted signal throughout the entire journey when using their mobile phones for calls and internet browsing. These connectivity improvements will also benefit those living in rural areas next to the railway.

Supports government’s connectivity objectives

The upgrade of Network Rail’s telecoms infrastructure will continue to support the Government’s commitment to roll out gigabit-capable connections across the UK and improve broadband services for “very-hard-to-reach” premises.  

Building Digital UK (BDUK) recently completed a project with Network Rail Telecom to upgrade to high-capacity fibre cable along 116km of the TransPennine rail route between York and Manchester which stimulated commercial investment and enhanced digital connectivity for rail services and passengers. The Trans Pennine fibre upgrade project was seen as a catalyst for this latest initiative that will see significant funding provided by the private sector.