Wi-fi trains arrive nine months early

UK train operator GNER has announced that a project to equip all of its trains with wi-fi will be competed nine months ahead of schedule.

Currently the operator of the East Coast Line, which runs from London Kings Cross through cities such as Peterborough, York, Newcastle and Edinburgh, offers wi-fi on a number of services. The further rollout will see all of its rebuilt Mallard trains fully equipped for wireless internet access by August 2006 – a full nine months earlier than the previous scheduled completion date of May 2007.

Christopher Garnett, chief executive of GNER said the service is already proving popular with customers - a fact which inspired the increased effort to get the full rollout finished early.

"We are keen to bring the benefits to all GNER passengers as quickly as we can," said Garnett in a statement.

The company's commitment to providing wireless access for all customers is supported by a telephone helpdesk. Customers experiencing problems can call on their mobile phone and get real-time updates on the availability of the network. Helpdesk staff are able to monitor the condition of the network remotely.

GNER's Garnett said the company is targeting business travellers on the highly popular routes between Edinburgh, York and London.

"GNER's wi-fi gives business travellers a competitive advantage by creating a fully mobile office, turning train travel time into productive time," he said.

"You can also keep in touch with the latest news and sport, or even order your shopping to be delivered when you return home," he added.