Better WiFi for hundreds of trains under government plans
Summary
The UK government plans to upgrade WiFi on more than 1,400 main line trains by using new technology that connects trains to low-earth satellites. This upgrade aims to deliver faster and more reliable internet service on trains, improving connectivity from around 50-60% coverage to at least 90%.Key Facts
- The government will spend £57 million to fund the WiFi upgrade on nationalised main line trains.
- The new system uses satellites to provide internet, which should be better than current 4G and 5G mobile networks.
- The upgrade follows successful trials with several train operators like LNER and Great Western Railway.
- The plan is to improve WiFi availability so most passengers can connect online during their journeys.
- Transport Secretary Heidi Alexander is expected to announce more details about the plan this summer.
- Passenger groups say WiFi is important but still see cost, overcrowding, and delays as bigger problems for rail users.
- The government is setting up Great British Railway to manage rail services and infrastructure as part of broader improvements.
- The upgrade aims to solve common problems with slow internet and dead zones on trains.
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