Dropped calls and patchy internet on train journeys are set to become a distant memory for Cardiff commuters, thanks to a new, ambitious public-private partnership. A landmark deal, dubbed Project Reach, will see the rollout of ultrafast fiber optic cable along major rail lines, including the Great Western Main Line connecting directly to Cardiff, and eliminate frustrating mobile signal blackspots in tunnels.
Signed today (June 26, 2025) by Network Rail and telecoms companies Neos Networks and Freshwave, this groundbreaking agreement aims to revolutionize daily commutes for millions of passengers. The project is a key part of the government’s Plan for Change mission to kickstart economic growth and is expected to save taxpayers around £300 million.
For those traveling to and from Cardiff, this means seamless connectivity for work, streaming, and staying in touch with loved ones, even when trains pass through notoriously difficult areas for mobile reception.
“This is a game changer for passengers up and down the country,” 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.”
Project Reach will initially deploy 1,000 kilometers of fiber optic cable, with plans to expand to over 5,000 kilometers in the near future. Freshwave will specifically address signal blackspots in 57 tunnels, covering nearly 50 kilometers, including the significant Chipping Sodbury tunnel near Bristol, which is a key route for Cardiff-bound trains.
In addition to the infrastructure upgrades, mobile network operators will invest in new 4G/5G technology at 12 major Network Rail stations across the country, including key hubs like Paddington, which serves as a vital connection point for Cardiff.
While the full rollout is a multi-year project, with the first mobile infrastructure installations expected to begin in 2026 and completion by 2028, the benefits extend beyond passenger convenience. The enhanced network will also enable better monitoring of railway assets and facilitate new technologies, promising more reliable train services and improved safety for railway workers.
Jeremy Westlake, Network Rail’s Chief Financial Officer, expressed his delight at the innovative deal, highlighting its significant value for money for taxpayers and its potential to stimulate wider economic benefits across the country.
This partnership, which builds on a previous £41 million government investment in low-earth-orbit satellite connectivity for mainline trains, marks a significant stride towards a more connected, efficient, and passenger-focused railway fit for the future.
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