By David Meyer, 16 May 2007 12:41
NEWS
Virgin's cross-country trains are being fitted with equipment that will boost mobile signals. Because of the design of Virgin's Voyager trains - the windows are made out of glass containing metal compounds - making a phone call can currently be difficult.
But the train company is now fitting all its London-to-North-Wales and cross-country trains with GSM repeaters, which will amplify mobile signals within each carriage. Eighteen of its 78 trains have already received the upgrade but, because the equipment is being fitted by Orange, only customers of that mobile operator will benefit.
Neil Laidler, vice president of Orange Business Services UK, said: "The improved 3G and 2G mobile network coverage is great for both consumers and business travellers. For businesses, access to mobile email and information offers greater productivity and less downtime while travelling away from the office. Our efforts here reflect the fact that both Orange and Virgin Trains strive to offer the very best networks for business."
The installation of the repeaters is separate from the on-board wi-fi hotspots being tested on Virgin's Pendolino trains, which service the west coast. That testing is being carried out by Nomad Digital, which has already rolled out a similar service on Southern Trains' London-to-Brighton route and the Heathrow Express. The hotspot system uses WiMax transmitters placed alongside the track for backhaul, utilising additional 3G-based connectivity from T-Mobile.
David Meyer writes for ZDNet UK
Comments
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1. anonymous
Since Virgin's flagship Pendolino fleet has two quiet coaches, I trust that these will now be fitted with extra-metallic windows, to prevent the level of flouting by mobile phone users at present! Not everyone welcomes the increasing penetration of mobile phone communications.
2. Simon
"... because the equipment is being fitted by Orange, only customers of that mobile operator will benefit."
Am I the only one who thinks that's a reather short-sighted move on teh part of Virgin Trains ? It certainly takes them down a notch in my opinion.