HS2 to sell spare fibreoptic cabling capacity

HS2 plans to sell unused fibreoptic cabling capacity to boost broadband speeds for rural areas along its route.

Mobile and broadband providers will be able to access spare capacity in the fibreoptic cabling and telecoms masts used for the railway’s signalling.

It could make it cheaper to extend fibre connections to less populated areas.

HS2’s analysis shows over 538 postcodes within 5km of the route currently lack ‘Ultrafast’ broadband speeds over 100Mbit/s.

While the railway will open between 2029 and 2033, providers might access the masts and fibreoptic cabling up to two years before, during testing.

About 80 telecoms masts and 2,000 km of fibreoptic cabling will be installed along the railway, which could improve local mobile coverage and 5G signals in some areas.

Tim Ward, HS2 Ltd’s head of telecoms engineering, said: “HS2 will provide fast, efficient and reliable rail journeys between Britain’s two largest cities while freeing up space on the existing main line for more local trains. But we’re also determined to ensure that we get the most value out of our new infrastructure and support the local community wherever possible.”