Can you use your mobile phone in the Channel Tunnel?

The Channel Tunnel (Le tunnel sous la Manche) is a ~50km tunnel (well, a set of 3 tunnels) running between England and France, used by both high-speed Eurostar trains and slower car trains / freight trains. A typical crossing takes about 20 minutes on the Eurostar, longer for the Le Shuttle car trains.

I know that you're 200–300m underneath the sea for much of it (45m below the seabed), but mobile phone aerial technology is pretty good these days... So, can you use your mobile phone while in the Channel Tunnel, for voice and/or data? Or does it remain a 20 minute oasis of silence?

Best Answer

Yes, you can receive phone signals. Not because of good antenna design (a thick concrete wall can stop a phone signal, you have no chance through vast amounts of rock and seawater) but because they have installed repeaters the length of the Chunnel.

Interestingly, it appears British phone users are being charged more than French to use the phone while in the Chunnel.

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Do mobile phones work in the Channel Tunnel?

The 30 miles of the Channel tunnel have until now offered a welcome pause from the trilling of mobile phones. Not any more. From this spring, Eurotunnel passengers will be able to tell callers: "I'm on Le Shuttle."

Is there phone signal in the Eurotunnel?

Rail operator Eurotunnel has launched 4G mobile services in the Channel Tunnel, boosting mobile internet speeds for commuters travelling in both directions through the 50 kilometre sub-sea tube.

Does Channel Tunnel have WIFI?

Free Wi-Fi Enjoy wireless internet access for free. The wireless network covers the Passenger Terminal Buildings and Flexiplus lounges in both the UK and in France.

Can you sit in your car in the Channel Tunnel?

It is not possible to drive a car or motorcycle through the Channel Tunnel. Instead, motorists must drive onto the Eurotunnel Le Shuttle train, which boards at the Channel Tunnel terminals in Folkestone and Calais.

QI | Who Made Sure The Channel Tunnel Met In The Middle?

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Images: Andrea Piacquadio, MART PRODUCTION, Andrea Piacquadio, Andrea Piacquadio