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David Cameron announces free WiFi on UK trains by 2017

TSGN, Southeastern, Chiltern and Arriva Trains Wales will all offer free WiFi by 2017, the Prime Minister has announced

An area supposed to benefit from Britain's first high-speed rail link is failing to reap the predicted rewards - raising concerns over whether the second high speed link from London to Brimingham could also be a let-down.
Southeastern will be one of the train operators to benefit from the new investment Credit: Photo: PAUL GROVER

Rail passengers will be able to access free WiFi on trains throughout England and Wales from 2017, David Cameron has announced.

The Prime Minister told MPs that it was “vital for businesses and for individuals to be able to access Wi-Fi and do their work and all other contact while they are on trains”.

Almost £50 million of funding will be released from the Department for Transport to ensure WiFi is available on TSGN, Southeastern, Chiltern and Arriva Trains Wales – covering more than 500m journeys a year.

The investment will be funded from fines imposed by the Office of Rail Regulation on Network Rail in July 2014 for the late running of services.

The Department for Transport has asked rail industry operators to set out how they will meet the commitment, and to begin installing equipment as soon as possible.

Some operators have already installed equipment to provide WiFi on-board their trains, so this investment will target franchises that would otherwise have no immediate plans to introduce Wi-Fi.

The operators will now work with the department to identify the most appropriate services and routes to benefit. Funding will be awarded subject to satisfactory proposals.

All train operators bidding for new franchises and direct award agreements will have to include this specification in their bid.

"We are investing record amounts in the rail network as part of our long-term economic plan," said rail minister Claire Perry.

"This investment, coupled with major works such as the Thameslink programme, new Intercity Express trains and the Northern Hub, will ensure that passengers will soon have a railway fit for the 21st century."