T-Mobile, a UK mobile phone operator, is to provide Wi-Fi access on all Heathrow Express trains from early 2007
Wi-Fi internet access will be available on all Heathrow Express trains from early 2007. T-Mobile, the UK mobile phone company who currently offers Wi-Fi HotSpots in Central London and at Heathrow Airport, is to provide the service. The company operates 18,000 hotspots worldwide in countries such as America and Germany, as well as numerous Eastern European countries.
The 8mbps (mega bites per second) broadband service, which is currently available on the Southern service from London to Brighton, will be available throughout the Heathrow Express journey, including through all tunnels. This is made possible by an antenna attached to the train which will connect to the T-Mobile network throughout tunnels on the line.
When asked about expanding the service to other airport express lines, T-Mobile UK HotSpot manager Jay Saw told ABTN: ”we are currently in discussions with other train operators about introducing the service”.
Customers will be able to buy HotSpot access passes on the train via their computer, which can also be used upon arrival at Heathrow or at other HotSpot locations in London such as Starbucks cafes, Borders bookshops and various hotels. A 60 minute pass, which can be used up at any time within 24 hours from the time of purchase, costs £5 ($9.5). T-Mobile customers can have unlimited access to HotSpots for £10 ($19) per month, £20 ($38) for non-T-Mobile customers.