East coast train operator GNER has completed the installation of wireless internet access across its entire fleet, more than seven months ahead of schedule.
The installation on 11 diesel trains, following rollout across 30 electric trains, means GNER now operates the world’s largest fleet of wireless equipped trains.
The completion of Britain’s first all-WiFi train fleet was scheduled to be completed in May 2007 but the process was bought forward due to customer demand.
GNER chief executive officer Jonathan Metcalfe says he is delighted that the £3.2m project was finished ahead of schedule.
‘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,’ he said.
He says passengers can surf the internet and send and receive email uninterrupted, which will particularly appeal to business passengers who can continue to work while travelling.
GNER trains send and receive communications signals via a combination of a roof-mounted satellite dish and mobile phone antenna, using 3G and GPRS technology.
Each coach along the entire length of the train is then connected via the onboard wireless network to create a WiFi ‘hot-spot’ throughout every coach on the train.
It is available on all GNER journeys, including its longest route from London to Inverness, a distance of 580 miles.
First class passengers can use WiFi for free while standard class passengers receive a pay-as-you-go service.
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