Continuous mobile coverage and wi-fi coming for Central Coast trains

Continuous mobile coverage between the Wyong and Hornsby promised at the last Federal Election will still not be completed by the coming one — but there is some good news for frustrated commuters.

Contracts have been awarded to establish continuous mobile coverage on the rail line between Wyong and Hornsby. Picture: Mark Scott

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Continuous mobile coverage between the Wyong and Hornsby promised at the last Federal Election will still not be completed by the coming one — but there is some good news for frustrated commuters.

Telstra has been awarded a contract to set up new mobile infrastructure along 68km of line and establish Wi-Fi at train stations along the heavily used rail corridor.

The work is expected to be completed by December 2021.

The plan will include free wi-Fi at stations.

Robertson Federal Liberal MP Lucy Wicks who announced the original plan back in 2016 said she was pleased to hear a timeline on the delivery of improved mobile phone reception for Central Coast commuters was underway.

“Our commitment to upgrade mobile coverage is an important one, and I share frustrations that this project has been delayed due to extended negotiations with Sydney Trains,” Ms Wicks said.

“I have been advised that Telstra has now started rolling out the necessary infrastructure, beginning at Narara station.

Difficult terrain has delayed delivery of the oproject promised in 200. Picture: Mitchell Hubbard.

“I am disappointed about how long this is taking, and I want to assure you that I will continue to work with Sydney Trains and Telstra to see this delivered as soon as possible.”

Ms Wicks said an agreement between the Federal and State governments resulted in Telstra winning the tender in December to design, construct, install and commission the mobile network system.

The $16 million project will see improved reception along 68km of railway corridor between Hornsby and Wyong stations.

“I have been advised Telstra undertook detailed site surveys over the Australia Day long weekend and has started laying the fibre optic cabling that is critical to the delivery of mobile services and the backbone for the improved mobile phone coverage along the track.”

30,000 commuters a day travel between the Central Coast and Sydney.

Cables have been installed over the Hawkesbury River Bridge and Telstra has said it will provide advice to Sydney Trains about the rollout schedule and which areas can be switched on first.

Mrs Wicks said she would continue to work with Telstra and the NSW Government in a bid to speed up the process.

“The landscape between Hornsby and Gosford stations is some of the most rugged on the rail network, with tunnels, cuttings and mountains and terrain which in the past has made it difficult to build the infrastructure required to support mobile phone services,” she said.

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