By Justin Di Giulio, Professional Senior Planner
Image: V/Line Train, source credit: Department of Transport
Introduction
For decades, Victoria's railway system has epitomised connection, linking communities across diverse terrains. Yet, with the onset of the digital age, it also revealed glaring gaps in connectivity. A visionary leap in 2018, the $18 million Regional Rail Connectivity Project (RRCP), set out to change this landscape.
Bridging the Mobile Blackspots
In 2018, commuters traversing the five key regional rail corridors — Geelong, Ballarat, Bendigo, Traralgon, and Seymour — were all too familiar with mobile blackspots.
These routes, catering to over 15.5 million passenger trips annually, witnessed frequent call drops, interrupted internet sessions, and the shared frustration of not being able to send or receive that crucial email, check that important Teams message or upload that critical document.
Source: Credit Buzzfeed man holding phone on train.
The game-changer was an Australian-first pilot involving mobile signal repeaters. The subsequent rollout, post a successful trial, combined in-train technology with the erection of 35 new mobile towers. This multi-pronged strategy aimed to elevate connectivity from below 50% to near-complete network coverage.
For the first time, passengers would benefit by this great project. V/Line's entire fleet of Vlocity trains would have significantly improved mobile coverage with the fitting of the mobile signal repeaters in addition thirty-five new mobile towers were constructed in partnership with Telstra, Vodafone and Optus to increase coverage in tandem with the boosters.
Source: Credit Infrastructure Australia. mobile tower,
Collaboration at its Best
The RRCP's success hinged on a groundbreaking partnership between the Victorian Government, the Department of Transport, VicTrack and major telecom giants: Telstra, Optus, and Vodafone (now TPG). This ensured a universal improvement for all passengers, regardless of their carrier preferences.
Philip Dalidakis, then Minister for Small Business, Innovation and Trade, had noted, "This Australian-first project is a massive win for commuters on our five busiest regional rail corridors. Every network user stands to benefit."
Credit Images: Marcus Wong, Left: Repeater device, centre: interior carriage signage, right: exterior signage.
Rippling Economic Advantages
Beyond just bridging digital gaps, the RRCP reverberated with profound economic implications. By 2019, predictions surfaced about the project adding an estimated $20 million annually to Victoria's economy. This was further endorsed by Jaala Pulford, then Minister for Regional Development, who emphasised the regional benefits, stating, "We're bridging the digital divide between Melbourne and our regional locales."
Fast Forward to 2023
As we stand five years since the inception of the RRCP, the VLocity train fleet boasts enhanced digital connectivity, fulfilling promises made in 2018. Post 2020 CoVID-19 outbreaks, with changing travel and living patterns in Victoria, this has provided an essential element to ensuring commuters 'stay connected' on their journeys, enabling them to work on the go. The project's success is a testament to Victoria's dedication to bolstering digital links in regional sectors. Yet, it's essential to note that this is part of a larger ongoing commitment. The broader 'Connecting Victoria' initiative, supported by Commonwealth programs, ensures the momentum continues.
Deep Dive
Interested readers can delve deeper into the overarching mobile blackspot program efforts at Infrastructure Australia and explore further details on rail connectivity strides by experiencing it along the rail line yourself and letting us know.
About the Author
Justin Di Giulio is a renowned Professional Senior Planner with a track record in Australian infrastructure and telecommunications projects. He's dedicated to technological advancements that nurture community growth and envisages a seamlessly connected Australia.