Shetland’s new tunnel network should be connected from day one, according to a specialist in cellular connectivity infrastructure.
Tom Sime, chief executive of Exchange Communications, says action must be taken to ensure tomorrow’s tunnels should benefit from 5G connection to ensure they do not rely on yesterday’s technology.
Exchange Communications has delivered key mobile connectivity projects across major UK locations, including the Mersey tunnels, and is currently involved in the development of cellular connectivity infrastructure for the Clyde Tunnel.
“Mobile connectivity must be treated as essential tunnel infrastructure from the outset, not an optional extra to be retrofitted once the concrete is in place,” he said.
“That is not simply a question of convenience. It is about safety, resilience and ensuring these tunnels work properly for the people who will depend on them every day.”
He added the case for fixed links in Shetland was “gathering momentum”.
Earlier this year steps were taken by Shetland Islands Council to progress fixed links.
The SIC identified subsea tunnels as potential alternatives to parts of its ageing ferry network, with the Yell Sound crossing being used as a test case.
Recent work by consultants COWI and Stantec has concluded that the tunnels are technically buildable and potentially investable.
The proposed Yell tunnel alone is estimated at around £402 million and could take eight years to deliver.
Mr Sime said that was a “major infrastructure investment”.
“So the question should be: what does Scotland need these tunnels to do when they open?
“They need to be safe, resilient, digitally connected and capable of supporting technology that will emerge over their lifetime.”
He added: “Our recent work on the Mersey Tunnels in Liverpool involved installing a multi-operator 4G Distributed Antenna System across the tunnel network, with more than 7.5 kilometres of cable installed during a six-month programme of tightly constrained engineering windows.
“The system provides mobile coverage for motorists while also supporting emergency-service communications and public information systems.
“A driver who breaks down, is involved in a collision or sees an incident should not suddenly discover that their mobile phone is useless because they have entered a tunnel.
“Being able to call emergency services, send information or receive instructions can make a real difference. Reliable wireless infrastructure can also support tunnel operators, emergency responders and connected operational systems.
“The UK’s emergency services network also recognises the importance of coverage in critical locations, giving first responders access to voice, video and data communications.
“Connectivity is therefore becoming part of the safety architecture of critical infrastructure.
“Our Mersey tunnels experience demonstrated this principle, supporting both emergency services and future technologies.
“That is the mindset that should be brought to Shetland.”
He said experience in Merseyside had shown that “retrofitting” tunnel connectivity was considerably harder than designing it in from the beginning.
“In Liverpool, we worked around a tunnel system carrying around 30 million motorists a year, with limited periods available for installation. It was achievable, but complex.
“Why create that problem in Shetland?
“If we know today that a new subsea tunnel will need communications infrastructure, the logical time to design cable routes, antenna locations, power requirements, equipment spaces and network architecture is before construction begins.
“Not five years later. Not when the first mobile operator asks why there is no signal. And certainly not after the tunnel has opened and engineers are trying to install infrastructure in a live environment.”
He added “A modern tunnel is no longer simply a hole through rock. It is a connected piece of critical infrastructure.
“That should be reflected in the specification for Shetland from the very beginning.”
