This site uses cookies. By continuing to browse the site you are agreeing to our use of cookies. Find out more hereClose

News

Hungary Installs Train WiFi

(09 Mar 2011, BWCS Staff)

Hungary has become the latest country to introduce a WiFi on trains service. Free wireless internet is now available on all Budapest-Sopron intercity train services, a distance of around 193km, according to the National Development Ministry. The services are run by independent train operator the Gyor-Sopron-Ebenfurt Train Company. 

The on-train WiFi service has been installed by Norwegian mobile operator Telenor following a public procurement tender announced last November. The Scandinavian company is contracted to operate the service for the next two years. Deputy state secretary in charge of transport Zoltan Schvab said the new service would make train travel more attractive. This also contributes to the government target to include modern IT services on public transport, he added.

The government's Szechenyi Plan includes the implementation of a GSM-R service on 3,000 kilometres of train services in Hungary, Schvab said.If the new WiFi on-board service proves successful, it is planned to install a similar service on the Sopron-Szombathely and Szombathely-Szentgotthard routes. The train company expects 18-20,000 travellers to use the new service each month.

All new Train WiFi services will be discussed at this summer’s WiFi on trains conference – Train Communication Systems 2011, where BWCS will once again host train companies from around the world. The conference will look at WiFi services on trains, on-board entertainment services and also at how train companies are increasingly using the train to shore broadband connection to establish cost-saving services worth many millions of pounds. For further information about June’s conference please go to www.TrainComms2011.com  or e-mail from  Ross.Parsons@BWCS.com 



Back

website by gomango