Greater Anglia working to improve phone signal across their network
Nine new 4G masts are being installed in Norfolk and Suffolk.
Last updated 25th Feb 2021
Scrolling through social media should be easier on trains in Norfolk and Suffolk now, thanks to tech upgrades.
Greater Anglia say they've been working with EE to improve 4G coverage on their network, with eight new masts being installed along tracks in Norfolk and 11 in Suffolk.
The company say it'll also help emergency services when dealing with incidents.
The train operator commissioned the installation of new mobile phone masts at points along the railway where the signal has previously been weak to improve the functionality of the on train WiFi and on-board systems that require a 4G signal.
In total, 35 masts will be erected with others including one in Cambridgeshire, nine in Essex, and six in London.
The project has seen 24 of them installed so far with work continuing this year to complete the project.
Clinton Smith, Greater Anglia's Head of Information Technology Projects, said:
"This important project will enable us to ensure we have reliable 4G coverage across as much of the rail network as possible.
"It means our train systems can operate smoothly and reliably as they will maintain a good signal and passengers can benefit from un-interrupted free WiFi and mobile phone coverage when travelling with us.
"It also offers the added benefit of improving mobile coverage for communities in the vicinity of the masts and for the emergency services in rural areas."
Jon Pollock, Director of BT's Enterprise unit, South and Wales, said:
"Having access to a reliable and resilient mobile network - both for the public and our emergency services - is our top priority.
"The installation of 35 new EE 4G mobile sites along the East Anglia rail network ensures that users can continue to enjoy strong mobile coverage via the largest and most reliable 4G network in the UK. It also provides reassurance that the emergency services and first responders can stay connected in even the most remote areas."
Greater Anglia offers free on-board WiFi to help commuters enjoy more productive travel time and reduce personal data charges.
Last year, Greater Anglia also increased the bandwidth on its new Stadler trains to ensure customers could enjoy fast browsing speeds when using the free WiFi, even if many passengers were logged on at once.
The new Stadler trains operate on regional routes in Norfolk, Suffolk, Cambridgeshire and Essex, the Norwich - London mainline and Stansted Express services.