GNER announced on 26 October 2006 the completion of the installation of wireless internet to its train fleet.

All 41 of GNER’s electric and diesel trains now have WiFi on board, offering passengers the ability to surf the internet and send and receive email throughout the East Coast Main Line route.

The news means GNER now operates the world’s biggest fleet of wireless internet equipped train carriages, and Britain’s first all-WiFi train fleet. The project was due to be completed in May 2007, but has now been finished more than seven months ahead of schedule.

WiFi is now available on all GNER journeys, including the longest route served by GNER from London to Inverness, a distance of 580 miles.

GNER was the first train operator in the UK to provide uninterrupted internet connection for passengers while travelling, using WiFi technology.

GNER chief executive officer Jonathan Metcalfe said: “We are delighted that WiFi is now available on every GNER train. Wireless internet has immense potential for both business and leisure users, and we’re very encouraged by the usage levels and positive feedback from passengers.”

Among the business users already making regular use of GNER’s WiFi is Gary McLeod, director of Traveleads, a travel management company based in Leeds. Gary says: “Using GNER’s WiFi, I can research potential customers, keep abreast of news and travel industry channels and look at general web design ideas. I might be hundreds of miles away from base, but my customers get the same response times as I was at my desk”.

Another frequent WiFi user, Jay Abbott, senior manager at Leeds-based Risk Assurance Services, says: “WiFi on GNER makes a huge difference to me ... we live in a modern and connected world and the need to stay in touch is greater now than ever”.

GNER trains send and receive communications signals via a combination of a roof-mounted satellite dish and mobile phone antenna, using 3G and GPRS technology. Each coach along the entire length of the train is then connected via the onboard wireless network to create a WiFi ‘hot-spot’ throughout every coach on the train.

First Class passengers can enjoy complimentary access to WiFi during their journey, while in Standard Class the system operates on a ‘pay-as-you-go’ basis, similar to an internet café.

WiFi is also available free of charge in all eight of GNER’s First Class lounges, at locations along the East Coast route.