Virgin Trains rolls out on-board wireless internet access

Train operator completes first stage of implementation following years of delays

Virgin Trains had been planning to offer Wi-Fi since 2006. Pic Credit: Gene Hunt

After years of delays, Virgin Trains has finally completed the rollout of wireless internet access on all Pendolino trains serving West Coast main line destinations.

The implementation of T-Mobile-supplied wireless broadband technology was completed in March by Nomad Digital and will enable passengers to access the web throughout the entire journey, including all tunnel sections.

“Wireless internet is now live across our Pendolino fleet and the service is forecast to be up and running in our Super Voyager trains by this summer,” a Virgin Trains spokeswoman told Computing.

According to the spokeswoman, the Wi-Fi implementation began towards the end of last year and the installation of receivers was carried out on a train-by-train basis.

Last August, Computing revealed the on-board wireless internet rollout was hit by delays – in September 2006, the operator announced it would introduce the facility the following year but the project was hampered by restricted access to trains.

The Wi-Fi service is free to passengers travelling first class, on-board and in the business lounge at stations.