Lauren Hill

Said the following about Telent Public Wi-Fi Installation Delivery Team:

“With reliable connectivity identified as a key priority for passengers in the 2019 National Rail Passenger Survey, and in memory of the late great Jimmy King, Telent's delivery team installed free, unlimited Public Wi-Fi at 19 of Britain's biggest and busiest stations, transforming passenger and visitor digital experience.

In collaboration with Network Rail and technology partner Global Reach Technology, Telent designed, installed, tested, and commissioned a simple, intuitive and user-focused solution to provide continuous coverage across the entire station.

Unlike Public Wi-Fi technology available at other large-scale overground and underground stations and many retail areas, the service does not require users to enter any personal information; they simply agree to the terms and conditions and click ‘Connect’.

Although a simple solution for the end user, the programme to install the infrastructure required to deliver high-quality connectivity faced significant challenges including:

• the initial scope doubling while the completion date remained the same

• down tools for three months due to the Covid pandemic and the first national lockdown

• limited access time to complete works in public areas

• original features at heritage stations requiring asset adaptations

• the sad passing away of a much-loved and highly respected colleague and friend

To ensure the completion date was achieved, Telentdeveloped an accelerated programme increasing the installation teams from two to eight, with 10 to 12 individuals working in each team. More than 85km / 50 miles of different cable types has been installed as part of this programme.

With installation being carried out in public areas, initial engagement with station managers prior to works starting, to explain the project and the benefits, helped to gain early buy-in. Establishing relationships enabled the team to secure the required onsite hours and ensure necessary engineering isolations to make the most of the hours available.

Maintaining exceptional lines of communication with stakeholders involved was critical. The successful communication was instrumental in resolving logistical challenges, including working around existing works already underway at King's Cross and Bristol stations.

With no two stations the same, each required bespoke design and installation solutions, including individual systems for mounting equipment and frequently having to 'wrap' hardware to blend in with the architecture of heritage buildings. One example was wrapping an Access Point (radio) to make it blend into the wall behind.

Weekly delivery team SCRUMS provided a platform to raise ideas, address issues, plan for and react to project developments.

Some situations, however, could not be anticipated such as when a fire broke out (not associated with the works), presenting a real danger to the public, or when an individual put themselves in a hazardous situation due to mental health difficulties. The on-site teams reacted quickly on both occasions, extinguishing the fire and intervening to prevent the individual from coming to any harm.

Towards the end of the programme, Jimmy King, a much-loved and respected member of the Telent team who spearheaded the Public Wi-Fi installation project, sadly passed away from natural causes.

Jimmy produced the 160-page Reference System Design on Public Wi-Fi for Network Rail Stations, for which Telent received a commendation from Network Rail. Jimmy had planned to retire after installing free Public Wi-Fi at all 19 stations, including his home station Glasgow Station, but sadly passed away before completion. A plaque was unveiled at Glasgow Station to commemorate Jimmy’s life which is a great honour for his family, Telent, and industry colleagues.

Jimmy's commitment to the rail industry, his positive attitude and eye for detail made him a genuine asset in his role as Lead Systems Engineer. His sad passing hit the team hard, but they were determined to complete the programme - to his exceptionally high standards - in his memory and the final Public Wi-Fi installation was commissioned during the 2021 Christmas period.

With more than 3 million connectivity sessions recorded across the 19 stations since September 2021 and customer satisfaction results showing 89% of users agree the Wi-Fi enhanced their experience, the feedback has been excellent.

Certified ‘Friendly Wi-Fi’, the service filters illegal or harmful content, keeping children and families safe online whether using social media, streaming music, podcasts or videos, browsing the internet, making video or voice calls for work or pleasure or gaming.

Featuring the latest technology, including Wi-Fi 6, to future-proof the service, average download speeds are faster than most home broadband services.

A private network on the system enables station staff to access information quicker, enabling them to provide better support to passengers, particularly during periods of disruption. The upgraded communications network infrastructure has also improved CCTV data links, enhancing public and workforce safety and is being used to download on-board data for train operating companies.

Delivered on time, under budget and putting the passenger first, the whole team went above and beyond to deliver this high-profile project:

“I wanted to take this opportunity to especially thank all at Telent and their partners that were involved in the project, but in particular the installation and project teams led by Alan Pitt, Athol Hampson, and Andy Carter. Without their passion, dedication and determination, often working in challenging and difficult conditions we would not be celebrating this success today. I know many of the installation teams spent nights away from their families, working long hours to make this happen so please do pass our sincere thanks to all of them – they’re often the unsung heroes on these types of projects.” Andrew Ledger – Head of National Contracts and Business Development, Network Rail

“This was an ambitious project which we have completed on time and under budget, a testament to how our business is delivering for passengers and taxpayers. Improving and modernising the railway is central to the Williams-Shapps Plan for Rail, and we look forward to bringing more benefits for passengers and revitalising our railway in the coming years.” Andrew Haines - Chief Executive, Network Rail“