Cost the main barrier to train connectivity

When GNER completes the rollout of wireless broadband access across its fleet later this year, it will be the UK’s first fully-enabled WiFi train operator.

The company is hoping continuous wireless access will entice business people onto its trains, and give it a competitive edge over low-cost airlines and the car when attempting to attract the business traveller.

But doubts have been raised about the business benefits of uninterrupted wireless access for passengers, with cost still cited as a barrier.

This has not stopped other operators, including Virgin Trains, Southern Trains and National Express, from testing their own continuous wireless connection.

‘Offering WiFi to business travellers enables them to maximise their productivity while travelling,’ said GNER systems programme manager Martin Shaw. ‘But surfing the web for leisure is also part of the appeal, particularly at the end of the day.’

Shaw accepts that installing wireless access on moving trains is still expensive.

‘There are technical challenges because a train is essentially a moving tin can which can affect signals,’ he said. ‘Our trains also travel through remote areas with no infrastructure and some wireless services are unreliable at high speed.’

Security issues are also barriers to encouraging use of wireless access on the train.

‘Our service is an open hotspot so it is up to users to ensure they have the proper firewalls and virus protection in place,’ said Shaw.

GNER says continuous service is essential because passengers do not want to wait until the train is near a city before sending and receiving email, or their virtual private network (VPN) dropping in and out as the train moves out of range.

Shaw says without this 100 per cent connectivity GNER would also have to forgo connecting data from trains to its back-office systems, a process that could offer a significant return on investment.

But Forrester Research analyst Jenny Lau believes there is no compelling reason for continuous connectivity, and that the biggest barrier to use is cost.

‘It is kind of like “me too”, with train operators bringing in wireless simply because their competitors have,’ she said.

‘But data usage is still expensive and many pay-as-you-go services are not transparent in their pricing. Most people using laptops on trains want to access email, and this does not require continuous connectivity.’

Butler Group analyst Mark Blowers says there is an expectation from passengers that they can connect during what would otherwise be dead time.

‘If trains can connect to the back office systems, then the head office is closer to getting real-time information where it knows what is happening on the trains at all times,’ he said.

GNER WiFi

z Each GNER train is fitted with a wireless network including access point in each carriage and wireless bridging to connect the carriages.

z Aerials are placed on the roof to receive a satellite signal. It is all connected through the on-train communication server.

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Further reading

GNER on track for full WiFi access

Train firm signals wireless expansion

GNER to upgrade customer system