It does seem as though we are unable to live without Wi-Fi hotspots in this day and age, never mind the fact that many of us already have some sort of data plan to go alongside our tablets and smartphones. Having said that, there is always no harm in experiencing faster Wi-Fi, right? Apparently, the BBC has learned that millions of pounds will be invested to deliver faster Wi-Fi connectivity on commuter trains across both England and Wales. In order to fund this particular endeavor which will supposedly cost somewhere in the region of £90 million, some of it will be funded by the government thanks to a fine to Network Rail which broke records. Network Rail happens to be in charge after most of the track, signalling and stations throughout Britain, but it has since been chastised by the Office of Rail Regulation for the fact that they have missed key punctuality targets when it comes to the long-distance services offered across the time span of five years.
Millions of pounds is to be spent on faster wi-fi for commuter trains across England and Wales, the BBC has learned. A proportion of the £90m cost of the scheme will be funded by the government from a record-breaking fine being handed to Network Rail this week. The firm looks after much of the track, signalling and stations across Britain. It is being punished by the Office of Rail Regulation for missing key punctuality targets on its long-distance services over five years. Critics have long questioned the point of fining Network Rail for poor service, because in the end it is being stripped of cash that could be used to improve the lines. Now ministers say they will make sure the cash will be used to help people get online. The new service, which could be 10 times faster than the service available at the moment, should be available within three to four years. Network Rail says commuters will in future be able to get a connection through equipment installed alongside the track, rather than the current system of having to find a satellite signal as they go along. Train firms will have to pitch for a slice of the money, but the government has indicated it will favour the busier commuter lines first of all – the most crowded 30% of the network, which carries 70% of the passengers. The fine is being imposed for the late running of long distance trains on routes including Cross Country, East Coast, First Hull Trains, First TransPennine Express, Grand Central, Virgin, some First Great Western, East Midlands Trains and Greater Anglia.
