Kingston Communications has delivered the system to
provide a passenger internet service on trains along the GNER East
Coast Mainline rail service.
The service offers passengers "always on" internet and e-mail
access, the first train operator in the UK to offer such a service
on a moving rail vehicle. Virgin Trains offers internet
connectivity in its first class rail lounges at selected
stations.
So far GNER said just more than 70% of people using the Wi-Fi
service have been checking and sending e-mail, while 42% have been
accessing corporate networks. Instant messaging has also been a
popular application.
The service is available for free in first class carriages and
costs £4.95 per hour in standard class.
The underlying technology on the GNER trains includes a
satellite downlink to the train and mobile phone networks for the
uplink back to the internet from the train.
A wireless Lan runs throughout first class and standard
carriages, enabling passengers to connect through an on-board
server onto the internet. The service uses both GPRS and GSM
data.
GNER is currently fighting to hold onto its franchise however,
so further expansion of the Wi-Fi service is dependant on GNER
being successful in its bid.
Martin Shaw, GNER project manager, said GNER plans to equip a
further 29 trains with internet access if it retains its
franchise.