Study: mobile coverage on trains is inadequate most of the time

UK telecoms regulator Ofcom found that major mobile operators fail to provide adequate coverage on trains. The investigation also revealed that railway companies are throttling Wi-Fi speeds for passengers.

The UK's telecoms regulator Ofcom published a study showing that the country's largest mobile operators are unable to provide satisfactory mobile coverage for train passengers. The study found that signal strength is inadequate for much of the journey time, creating significant convenience problems for travellers.

According to Ofcom, poor coverage on trains is a systemic problem affecting all major network operators. The regulator stressed that the situation does not meet modern expectations, as an increasing number of people want to use the internet and mobile communication while travelling.

Beyond mobile coverage, the study also found that the Wi-Fi service provided by the railway companies themselves leaves much to be desired. Railway firms are throttling data speeds, which means that even when a passenger forgoes using mobile coverage and connects to the train's Wi-Fi, the connection may not be fast enough for normal use.

Ofcom called on both mobile operators and railway companies to improve the situation. According to the regulator, good internet connectivity on trains has become an essential requirement, not a luxury, given how many people use their phones for work or entertainment while travelling.