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GNER signals success of on-train Wi-Fi project

Train operator becomes the first in the UK to have a full fleet of Wi-Fi-connected trains

By Maggie Holland, 27 Oct 2006 at 17:38

GNER has successfully rolled out Wi-Fi on trains across its East Cost Main Line, more than seven months ahead of schedule.

The rail operator had originally expected to complete the £3.2 million project in May 2007 but announced yesterday that its 41-strong fleet is now equipped so that passengers can surf the web and send and receive emails while travelling.

Trains along the network use a combination of roof-mounted dishes and mobile phone antennae, using 3G and GPRS technology and supplied by Swedish firm Icomera, to send and receive signals.

Using the onboard wireless network, each coach on the train communicates with this equipment to create Wi-Fi hotspots.

First-class passengers can enjoy the service free of charge, in addition to benefiting from access in all eight of GNER's First Class lounges, while standard class travellers have to pay a fee dependant on usage.

Early completion of the roll out, which positions the train line as Britian's first all-Wi-Fi-enabled fleet, was spurred by passenger demand for the service, according to GNER.

"Using GNER's WiFi, I can research potential customers, keep abreast of news and travel industry channels and look at general web design ideas," said user Gary McLeod, director of Travel Leads, a travel management company based in Leeds.

"I might be hundreds of miles away from base, but my customers get the same response times as I was at my desk".

Jay Abbott, another user of the service, who works as a senior manager at Leeds-based Risk Assurance Services, added: "Wi-Fi on GNER makes a huge difference to me ... we live in a modern and connected world and the need to stay in touch is greater now than ever."

Jonathan Metcalfe, GNER's chief executive, said: "Wireless internet has immense potential for both business and leisure users, and we're very encouraged by the usage levels and positive feedback from passengers."

Last month, Virgin Trains announced that it will equip its high-speed fleet on West Coast Main Line routes with Wi-Fi from next year.