The update will impact thousands of passengers travelling between Manchester and London
The Government has confirmed improvements to Wi-Fi services on Avanti West Coast lines(Image: Manchester Evening News)
The Government has responded to concerns over internet speed and reliability on trains, confirming major improvements to Wi-Fi services for some passengers travelling between Manchester and London.
Avanti West Coast passengers travelling between the major cities could soon see improvements to on-board Wi-Fi, with the rail operator already upgrading its system in a bid to boost speed and reliability throught the two-hour journey.
It comes after MP Adam Jogee asked the Department for Transport what steps were being taken to improve internet connectivity on Avanti services between Manchester Piccadilly and London Euston.
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Responding on behalf of the Government, Transport Minister Keir Mather said: “Avanti West Coast is upgrading its onboard Wi-Fi system which is intended to improve connectivity speeds and performance.”
The operator has also been trialling laser window etching technology, which helps mobile signals pass through train windows more effectively, Mr Mather said.
The average journey time from London Euston to Manchester Piccadilly is 2hr 27mins(Image: PA)
Following a successful initial trial, further testing is now planned before a wider rollout across Avanti’s high-speed passenger trains, called Class 390 Pendolino.
These trains operate the majority of services between Manchester and London, meaning these passengers are expected to see significant benefits.
The West Coast Main Line, which connects London Euston to the West Midlands, North West England, North Wales, and Scotland, is also set to benefit from Government investment in low Earth orbit satellite technology, which ministers say will ‘significantly improve’ on-train Wi-Fi, Mr Mather added.
Further upgrades are also planned under an initiative known as Project Reach, which is set to enhance mobile coverage in 57 railway tunnels across major routes, including the West Coast Main Line.
Mr Mather added that train operators are required to meet strict customer experience standards, including for Wi-Fi connectivity, with financial penalties for failing to do so.
Mr Mather said on April 28: “The DFT Operator (DFTO), on behalf of the Secretary of State, meet with Avanti West Coast (AWC) regularly to discuss services for passengers, including onboard Wi-Fi connectivity.
“AWC is upgrading its onboard Wi-Fi system which is intended to improve connectivity speeds and performance. Additionally, AWC previously completed a positive trial using laser window etching technology to improve connectivity and will be undertaking further testing with the view to roll out across its Class 390 fleet.
“These projects will improve connectivity for passengers across all AWC services but particularly those operated by Class 390 trains, including the London to Manchester Route.”