Eurostar to launch WiFi next year

Travellers travelling on the Eurostar will be able to use WiFi to surf the Internet from early next year, as the high-speed rail operator undergoes a £700 million fleet renewal and refurbishment programme. The refurbishment of Eurostar's existing fleet will begin in September this year, and there will be a progressive roll-out of the new-look trains from early 2013. WiFi will be provided by Nomad Digital, with Eurostar stating that the technology will allow passengers to "enjoy a high speed connection to the internet at all times throughout their journey, a seamless switchover at international borders and connectivity wherever the customer is seated and whenever it is required".

As well as the redesign and refurbishment of its existing 27 trains, 10 new E320 trains will be rolled out from mid-2014. The new design will offer an “infotainment” system that will not only allow passengers access to the Internet but also information and video clips about destinations and the train. The infotainment system will not be streamed through seatback screens. Instead passengers will use their own devices to connect to the Eurostar WiFi and download content through a portal. Initially the system will not offer films, as passenger feedback said the journey times were not long enough. The cost of WiFi access and the use of the infotainmnent system has yet to be announced. Eurostar has also recently refreshed its check-in and security areas at Paris Gare du Nord and its Brussels Midi lounge is also getting a new look.