Khurram Warris, Engineering Director at Integrated Systems Engineering, explains how the company’s CrownComm telecommunications solution addresses the complex connectivity challenges faced by different environments in the rail industry.
In an era where seamless connectivity is essential, it is surprising that 9% of the UK lacks mobile network coverage entirely.
The rail industry, in particular, faces significant challenges in delivering uninterrupted mobile coverage, with over 75% of UK rail tunnels lacking robust cellular connectivity. A recent survey also highlighted that 64% of rail commuters experience poor mobile coverage during their journeys, making this a critical issue for passengers and operators alike.
“The rail network is a complex and diverse environment for mobile networks,” Khurram Warris, Integrated Service Engineering’s engineering director explained. “From underground tunnels and remote rural routes to crowded metro stations, passengers and operators constantly struggle with inconsistent signals, slow data speeds, and communication blackouts. To address these challenges, we developed CrownComm, a ground-breaking telecommunications solution that provides robust 5G coverage while championing sustainability through solar-powered and AI-driven innovations.”
Frustrations and black spots: addressing the rail Industry’s connectivity challenges
In today’s fast-paced world, passengers increasingly expect reliable mobile coverage throughout their journeys. However, traditional telecommunication infrastructure often fails, particularly in underground tunnels, inside train carriages, and across rural landscapes where network expansion is costly and complex. The issue is exacerbated in metro stations and large international rail hubs, where congestion overwhelms existing networks, leading to frequent disruptions.
Furthermore, conventional solutions such as leaky feeder cables have limitations, operating at lower frequencies that cannot support modern 5G networks. CrownComm takes an integrated approach to solve these issues. By leveraging GreenTowerAI’s solar-powered technology, the system delivers connectivity without reliance on traditional infrastructure such as the National Grid.
“This not only ensures uninterrupted coverage in remote areas but also aligns with global sustainability goals,” said Khurram. “At railway stations, our drone-based SkyLink technology extends coverage to hard-to-reach areas, providing real-time augmented and virtual reality feedback while enabling seamless communication along railway tracks. The same solar-powered infrastructure that supports CrownComm’s connectivity solutions can also benefit local communities, ensuring access to reliable digital services in villages along rail routes.”
A smarter alternative to leaky feeder systems
For railway operators planning new lines or upgrading existing infrastructure, CrownComm presents a superior alternative to traditional leaky feeder systems. While leaky feeders are constrained to frequencies between 400 and 700 MHz, CrownComm integrates directly with existing cabling, amplifying signals to 3.5 GHz—a crucial requirement for full 5G connectivity. The system is designed to complement rather than replace existing infrastructure, ensuring a cost-effective, scalable solution that extends coverage, improves reliability, and future-proofs railway telecommunications.
“CrownComm deploys relays at strategic intervals within underground tunnels, connected to the existing leaky feeder cable,” Khurram explained. “These relays amplify lower-frequency signals and retransmit them at 5G frequencies, ensuring passengers receive strong, uninterrupted connectivity throughout their journey. This seamless integration approach allows operators to enhance their networks without costly infrastructure overhauls, making CrownComm an attractive proposition for rail projects worldwide.”
Sustainable, high-performance communication solutions
Beyond its technical capabilities, CrownComm is built with sustainability and efficiency at its core, supporting the transport industry’s carbon reduction goals. Its GreenTowerAI system, powered entirely by solar energy, minimises environmental impact while providing consistent coverage in off-grid locations. The lightweight, modular design simplifies installation and reduces operational costs, making it an ideal choice for railway networks looking to expand without increasing their carbon footprint.
“Our SkyLink drones also offer a flexible, rapid-deployment solution for emergencies and temporary coverage needs,” Khurram added. “This ensures railway operators can maintain connectivity in any scenario, providing a resilient, high-performance communication system that adapts to the industry’s evolving demands.”
Accelerating CrownComm’s success
Integrated Systems Engineering’s innovative approach has been recognised by BCIMO’s Clean Futures Accelerator; a programme dedicated to supporting clean technologies in the West Midlands’ transport sector. As a participant in the accelerator, Integrated Systems Engineering has received funding to develop and test its CrownComm solutions.
“We have also benefited from technical support at BCIMO’s Rail Development & Test Site,” Warris explained. “This has allowed our team to test our communication solutions in a live rail environment, as well as receive commercial assistance to accelerate market adoption.”
At the conclusion of the accelerator programme, CrownComm will be showcased at an exclusive Demonstration Day at BCIMO on 25th February, presenting its capabilities to industry leaders, railway operators, and technology investors. This opportunity reinforces CrownComm’s position as a pioneering force in railway telecommunications, demonstrating its ability to deliver sustainable, high-performance connectivity solutions that meet the evolving needs of the global rail industry.
Leading the future of rail connectivity
With the arrival of CrownComm, Integrated Systems Engineering is poised to lead a new era of connectivity for rail passengers, operators, and surrounding communities. By combining cutting-edge 5G technology, solar-powered infrastructure, and intelligent integration with existing networks, CrownComm delivers a seamless, cost-effective, and future-ready approach to railway communications.
“As the rail industry moves toward a more connected, sustainable future, CrownComm is leading the charge,” Khurram concluded. “We are redefining railway telecommunications, ensuring passengers and operators experience uninterrupted communications across the network with a sustainable, high-performance approach.”
