Who, what, why: What’s happening to wi-fi on trains?
This piece tells us how Ministers via Network Rail are going to deliver a £90m upgrade across England and Wales to stop Wi-Fi “constantly disrupted by poor signal”. It will be part-funded by a £53.1m fine levied on Network Rail for failing to ensure enough trains run on time. It is expected that a universal service, offering broadband speeds up to 10 times the current level, free to all train users, will be in place within a few years. Network Rail is setting up its own transmitters along lines in England and Wales to ensure blanket coverage with operators are updating receivers and Wi-Fi hubs on board trains. Currently trains receive 3G signal from ordinary mobile phone masts, which is “forwarded” to passengers through an onboard Wi-Fi system. Provision can be patchy, particularly in rural areas or when passing through tunnels or by embankments. Operating companies often charge for connections while on board, while several do not offer any Wi-Fi at all. While the announcement is welcome, Trevor Tupper, treasurer of the West Sussex Rail Users Association advises how “we shall have to see.”