Brits want Wi-Fi on trains

78% of rail travellers in the UK demand Wi-Fi on the train. When's the last time that many people could agree on anything in a democratic country?

http://www.smarttravelnews.com/news/2004/05/uk_rail_travell_1.html

UK rail travellers want wireless broadband
LONDON -- Three out of four UK business rail travellers want to use Wi-Fi for Internet access on the move, believing on-train connectivity is a clear reason to choose rail travel over other forms of transport, according to research released by Broadreach Networks Limited. The findings come from the UK’s largest-ever study of the awareness and interest in Wi-Fi technology amongst business rail travellers, commissioned by Broadreach, the UK’s leading provider of Internet locations earlier this year.


The survey found that 78% of passengers would use wireless broadband Internet access (Wi-Fi) on the train if it were available. Further, passengers said they would be prepared to pay a flat rate of up to £12 per journey.

The study was carried out by independent market research specialists in March and April 2004. Some 1,600 business travellers and commuters using a range of rail services across the UK -- including ScotRail, Eurostar, Virgin West Coast and Virgin Cross Country trains -- were interviewed face-to-face about their on-train working habits, and interest in Wi-Fi technology.

 

I think it's a good idea. We are very much a society of commuters and increasing number of people search for productivity whereever they can find it. This includes that 1hr train or bus ride. It could also potentially attract more riders if commuters feel that it would be an added benefit to taking public transportation. Granted, I do see a few problems that could arise:

1. 'Roaming'. Obviouslly a WiFi spot isn't going to cover a great length of track. Amtraks Acela can blow through 300 ft in just a couple of seconds. There would have to be some type of measure taken so that as a user roams from access point to access point, the connection isn't dropped or restarted. In Theory, it could be done. This occurs with Verizons ExpressNetwork. If you're connected and happen to hit a dead zone, your connection isn't dropped. Everything continues until the connection is reestablished and there is no interruption in what you're doing....for the most part.

2. Providers. Whose going to provide this service and how will it be determined who can use it? If you go with a cellular provider, they could potentially restrict it to just their customers, forcing people to change carriers to use the service. I bring up cellular providers because in NJ and NY, they already have the rights-of-way for in order to provide service along the rails and in tunnels. It would be much more acceptable to have a independent vendor handle it. This way, it can be opened up to everyone.

A good idea but not without some obstacles to overcome. Personally, I'm waiting for Verizons EVO network to get up and running. Having service on the trains would benefit me, but I also need that same service when I travel to other locations.