As a frequent train commuter to and from Cardiff, I experience regular interruptions to my mobile data, causing my lecture videos and web browsing to cut out frequently. Coverage gaps are not unique to my mobile network operator (MNO,) these interruptions are widespread across different operators, affecting many UK commuters. (https://www.railforums.co.uk/threads/trivia-significant-gaps-in-mobile-coverage-and-wifi-on-the-rail-network.236818/). While MNOs provide online coverage maps, these often don’t reflect the reality of the coverage of train routes. It’s likely in the MNOs interests to show idealized coverage, rather than acknowledging the coverage gaps of the train routes.

The general problem is the lack of transparent and accurate information about mobile network coverage on UK train routes.

Many people just choose an MNO and sign a year-long contract without being able to know if their commute route has sufficient coverage. Even free Wi-Fi offered by train operating companies relies on the same mobile data towers, leading to the same problems. This project seeks to address the transparency and quality of coverage on train routes across the UK.

To do that, this project will:

> Allow users to test their mobile coverage across train routes in real-time,

> Use that data to visualize where these coverage gaps are,

> Let users to submit this data to create a coverage gap map of the UKs rail network.

This could result in an unbiased, crowd-sourced map of mobile network coverage, where users can make better choices to choose MNOs with the best coverage on their routes, while encouraging MNOs to invest in better infrastructure. Better coverage could also potentially increase passenger numbers. A study done by FirstGroup suggests that 64% of young people (ages 16-35) are more likely to choose train travel over other options if reliable Wi-Fi is available (https://www.firstgroupplc.com/news-and-media/latest-news/2022/07-02-2022.aspx)