Streetwave Partners with Network Rail to Tackle Mobile “Not-Spots” on UK Railways

October 31, 2025

Streetwave — Independent mobile network performance analytics for enhancing connectivity and infrastructure planning • streetwave.co

Streetwave, is excited to report that we have started working with Network Rail as part of Project Reach, a national initiative aimed at eliminating mobile “not-spots” along the UK’s railway network. The Midlands Mainline (Sheffield to London) was selected as a key test route, and Streetwave was commissioned to provide an independent survey of mobile coverage performance (customer experience).

Connectivity gaps on the UK rail network are not just a passenger inconvenience, they represent a significant drag on productivity and growth. Research suggests that better mobile coverage could unlock up to £230 billion in economic benefits by 2035. For investors, this positions Streetwave at the centre of a structural growth opportunity: quantifying, validating, and ultimately driving the solutions to close these connectivity gaps.

The survey measured “Essential Coverage” (dependable internet access) across the 2 hour, 23 minute journey. Results across the four UK mobile operators were as follows:

  • Vodafone – 29% coverage (1h 42m without connectivity)
  • EE – 26% coverage (1h 46m without connectivity)
  • Three – 19% coverage (1h 56m without connectivity)
  • O2 – 17% coverage (1h 59m without connectivity)

These figures underline a pressing reality: even the best operator provided reliable service for less than one-third of the journey.

This project demonstrates three key points of value:
Market Validation – Network Rail’s selection of Streetwave underlines our credibility as the trusted partner for independent, high-impact coverage intelligence.
Scalable Opportunity – With over 20,000 miles of railway in the UK and international rail operators facing the same challenges, the addressable market is substantial.
Strategic Alignment – By aligning with government-backed infrastructure programmes, Streetwave is positioned at the heart of long-term national connectivity investment.
This collaboration is a strong endorsement of Streetwave’s methodology and market
relevance. Looking ahead, we expect our insights to guide future infrastructure deployment, creating both social impact and investor value.