[Article] Wireless broadband being rolled out in January

[plant43]

http://www.breakingnews.ie/ireland/travellers-to-avail-of-high-speed-internet-on-trains-and-ferries-439095.html

Irish Rail and Irish Ferries passengers will be able to access a new wireless broadband internet service from January.

The new technology will allow travellers to avail of high-speed internet access on a range of different devices throughout the rail network and on journeys across the Irish Sea.

Irish firm Fleetconnect is to instal the technology on the ferries and trains.

[Mark Gleeson]

As I more or less guessed ages back, its the Icomera boys who are the leaders in the field

Dublin Cork only on the train due woeful 3G coverage

So much for the vapourware we do it for free company that vanished as quickly as it appeared

[KSW]

Thats great to hear. Over in Moldova they have wireless internet in restaurants,pubs,parks everywhere its great when you have an internet phone.

[DangerM]

Wifi would be great on the train, I use the wireless O2 broadband on the Gorey Line, only place I get disconnected is Greystones to Bray.

[Mark Gleeson]

But it won't make it run on time

[dowlingm]

No wifi on the Ardrahan express - the wesht betrayed again :D

[James Howard]

I think that some sort of WiFi is probably much more strongly required on Inter City rather than commuter services as they probably have a higher proportion occasional travellers.

As a regular commuter I use a three 3G connection which works adequately and is very cheap. But if I were taking the train once a week or less, I couldn't justify the cost of the 3G connection but would take advantage of on-board WiFi if it were available.

Differing requirements for different types of passenger and I would hazard a guess that the occasional traveller is less likely to hang out here and stick their oar in the subject.

I do agree that getting something vaguely resembling punctuality and reliability is a much higher priority.

[evert]

This is all part of a 6 month trail run by Irish Rail together with a number of wifi providers. Neither Fleet Connect nor Icomera have exclusivity here.

Based on the result of this trail Irish Rail will decide whether or not to put a contract for wifi across their rolling stock out to public tender.

More details here (http://www.airappz.com/2010/01/airappz-invited-to-trail-wifi-on-irish-rail-trains/).

Disclosure: I am the CEO of Airappz, one of the companies invited to participate in this trail.

[evert]

As I more or less guessed ages back, its the Icomera boys who are the leaders in the field

Dublin Cork only on the train due woeful 3G coverage

So much for the vapourware we do it for free company that vanished as quickly as it appeared

We didn't dissappear Mark, we were in follow-up discussion with Irish Rail and did not want to publisize details before everything was confirmed.

Your negativism is just puzzling to say the least..

Evert Bopp.

[MidlandDeltic]

WiFi was available on Ulysses before and after Xmas - at an eye-watering €5 for 30min or €8 per hour! Even my Meteor dongle only costs €2.95 per day / €15 per month!

[James Shields]

8 per hour? Ouch. I sailed with Stena last September and had free WiFi on board. They were giving access codes at the customer service desk, so it may have been an introductory offer.

[tigger1962]

wifi is free on stena line in the premier lounges only.

I tried to use mobile broadband on the cork train and the service was quite bad especially compared to the northern line. Though I would not pay those prices unless it was a business expense.

[DangerM]

Well Wexford Bus offer free wifi on their route each day and are quicker from Gorey to Dublin than the train, if Irish Rail want to be anyway competitive and sell this wifi as a perk then it needs to be for a minimal cost.

[tigger1962]

Matthews Buses from Dundalk/Drogheda also offer this as part of their service and most of the time are faster than Irish Rail! Especially the early morning services, about same time on evening services

[plant43]

Follow-up

IARNRÓD ÉIREANN is to test a wireless internet service for passengers on its Dublin to Cork route, starting early next month.

The trial will be used to establish demand and is likely to be followed by a public tender to equip much of the company’s main intercity lines with the necessary equipment to provide the service.

Four wireless network providers have been invited to take part in the trial, due to last for about six months. Each provider will initially be allocated a train on the Dublin to Cork line. “It’s our busiest route so it’s the most appropriate for the trial,” said Iarnród Éireann spokesman Barry Kenny.

“We will publicise the service in stations, on trains, on our website, through social media and through media activity.”

Commuters with laptops or mobile phones will be able to access the Internet using Wi-Fi. Each carriage will have a single wireless access point to cater for the number of passengers who are likely to use the service. According to the managing director of trial participant FleetConnect, Patrick Cotter, each train can accommodate between 30 and 40 simultaneous Wi-Fi users.

The backhaul signal from the train to the Internet will be over the 3G mobile networks. Iarnród Éireann has its own fibre-optic network which runs along the rail lines but this is not being used during the trial, Mr Kenny said.

Evert Bopp, managing director of another trial participant Airappz, welcomed the trial. “The fact that it is happening is a good thing. Even if we don’t win the tender, ultimately it’s essential for Ireland and the economy that we have this service on public transport.”

The service will be available at various prices for the duration of the trial. Several private coach operators already offer free Wi-Fi to passengers. But Iarnród Éireann’s trial is likely to involve a combination of a free and paid model.

Mr Cotter said FleetConnect would offer both options. “We may put in a charge to see how it affects usage. The main thing is to put a business case together for Irish Rail.”

Airappz said its Wi-Fi access would be free of charge. When logging on, users will see a website with location-based advertising and other services which Mr Bopp said would create sufficient revenue to avoid having to charge a usage fee.

One of the most significant technical hurdles with providing Wi-Fi on trains is that they move quickly between base stations, which can lead to peaks and troughs in access speed for users.

The trial had been put back from last summer to test the feasibility and reliability of the Wi-Fi technology.

Mr Kenny said coverage levels were “strong” across most of the Dublin to Cork line.

[plant43]

I hope they plan to let the customer know which provider is on which trainset.

[evert]

I hope they plan to let the customer know which provider is on which trainset.

We for one will make sure that our service is correctly identifiable.

Evert.

[Colm Moore]

I hope they plan to let the customer know which provider is on which trainset.Any proper trial should be blind-blind. That is neither the frontline staff, nor the customer should know what service they are using, so as to avoid bias. However, if some providers are going to work on an advertising model, that may be unavoidable.

[Mark Gleeson]

I'm told that one of the 4 companies in the trial is no longer taking part for some reason.

[dowlingm]

Interesting New York Times article on the effect of providing WiFi on school bus passengers (http://www.nytimes.com/2010/02/12/education/12bus.html?em) - could it do the same for GAA specials :D

[laoisfan]

Hi

If this is a duplicate thread please close & forgive.

I commute from Ballybrophy to Dublin and usually hop on the Cork train (first train which leaves Cork).

My HTC Hero mobile picked up the Irish Rail Wifi. Irish Rail said they are running trials for the next 6 months (not sure when this started).

Just thought I would post. So anyone with a laptop, iPod Touch/iPhone, Android Phone and you travel Dublin-Cork-Dublin...there you go...for a while at least.

Doubt if other routes have it.

Thanks - Ray (laoisfan)

[Mark Gleeson]

Only one train is fitted currently, think its set 4008 or 4007.

We know its not provided by the Airappz, the outfit which appeared promised a whole pile and well vanished...

We believe this is provided by Fleetconnect as agents for Icomera who are one of the major players

Offical public launch of the trial is next week I'm told

[DangerM]

We know its not provided by the Airappz, the outfit which appeared promised a whole pile and well vanished...



I had wondered where Airappz went to! May stick to the broadband a while longer on the Wexford route by the looks of it.

[Thomas Ralph]

Joe the train host just told me it's 4008. There are stickers or cards on the train to advise people of the service.

[Colm Moore]

http://www.independent.ie/breaking-news/national-news/free-wifi-for-rail-users-2126078.htmlFree wi-fi for rail users
Tuesday April 06 2010

Rail users can make use of free wi-fi internet access on selected Dublin to Cork services, Iarnrod Eireann has said.

An initial trial of the service will last six months while rail chiefs assess the uptake.

Iarnrod Eireann said coverage was strong on the Dublin to Cork line, with access to mobile broadband networks from O2, Vodafone and 3.

If successful, the service will be rolled out to other routes including Intercity, DART and Commuter services.

"Many customers are already travelling with us because rail travel offers the scope to use travel time productively," said an Iarnrod Eireann spokesman.

"Wi-fi obviously broadens such scope dramatically."

Tests have shown that passengers should be able to get download speeds of up to 3.5 megabytes.

Press Association

"Tests have shown that passengers should be able to get download speeds of up to 3.5 megabytes." - is that collectively or individually?

And is megabytes per second? Minute? Hour?

[WIFI IN MOTION]

http://www.independent.ie/breaking-news/national-news/free-wifi-for-rail-users-2126078.html

"Tests have shown that passengers should be able to get download speeds of up to 3.5 megabytes." - is that collectively or individually?

And is megabytes per second? Minute? Hour?

Hi Colm,
This is megabytes per second, this is based on the initial technical and passenger usage so far since the system went live.

[Colm Moore]

http://www.rte.ie/news/2010/0406/rail.htmlIarnród Éireann to begin Wi-Fi trial period
listen Tuesday, 6 April 2010 11:54

Iarnród Éireann is to operate a free Wi-Fi internet service on this afternoon's Dublin to Cork intercity service.

The 4pm train from Dublin Heuston to Cork's Kent Station is part of trial to assess likely customer uptake and also the technical abilities of the service.

Only the 4pm train this afternoon will have the Wi-Fi trial, but tomorrow's trains at 7.30am, 11.00am, 2.30pm and 6pm will have the service.
Advertisement

An Iarnród Éireann spokesperson said: 'We are hoping this will lead to a full introduction of Wi-Fi on Dublin/Cork, and its expansion to other routes - Intercity, DART and Commuter.'

The initial trial will continue for six months on one train route, which will be rotated through scheduled services.

The train-bound system has been designed and installed by Dublin-based FleetConnect.

[Colm Moore]

Hi Colm,
This is megabytes per second, this is based on the initial technical and passenger usage so far since the system went live.Hi, welcome and thank you.

"Tests have shown that passengers should be able to get download speeds of up to 3.5 megabytes." - again, is that collectively or individually? It might be quite possible when only one person is using it, but when many people are using it on a fullish train? Noting that an intercity train can have 400+ on board and a DART can have 1,000+ on board (although with iPads, not laptops :)).

I suppose my question is, what range can people realistically expect? And where are the likely grey- and black-spots. I realise that part of the test is, in part, to determine some of that information.

[Colm Moore]

http://www.irishrail.ie/news_centre/news.asp?action=view&news_id=700 Wi-Fi trial on selected Cork-Dublin Intercity services by Corporate Communications

6th April 2010

Iarnród Éireann has announced that wi-fi trials are now underway on selected Dublin-Cork Intercity services.

The trial follows an assessment of technical aspects of a wi-fi service on the route, with strong coverage levels across the Dublin Cork line.

Initially, free wi-fi is available, and partners in the trial, Fleet Connect, will also offer web access to customers at a variety of price points, allowing Iarnród Éireann to assess the likely customer uptake.

A spokesperson for Iarnród Éireann said “we are looking forward to this exciting initiative, to establish the uptake from customers for the wi-fi services, and to see the impact on the rail travel experience. We are hoping the option to avail of on train internet connectivity for all customers – from those checking social networking sites and e-mail to business customers – will prove popular, and lead to a full introduction of wi-fi on Dublin/Cork, and its expansion to other routes – Intercity, DART and Commuter. We would intend going to tender for a supplier partner to undertake this.”

The initial trial will continue for six months on one train set, which will be rotated through scheduled services. Rail bosses are already receiving enquiries on expansion of the facility. “Many customers are already travelling with us because rail travel offers the scope to use travel time productively. Wi-fi obviously broadens such scope dramatically.”

The train-bound system has been designed and installed by Dublin-based FleetConnect, who has also supplied other Irish transport firms with on-board Wi-Fi. “The system provides up to eight concurrent connections using mobile broadband networks from O2, Vodafone, and 3,” said Patrick Cotter, Managing Director at FleetConnect. “During the journey the Moovbox’s patented SureWAN technology will intelligently choose the best networks to use based on availability, and where possible aggregate those networks to provide a bigger ‘pipe’ to the train.”

From our initial testing Iarnród Éireann passengers will be able to achieve up to 3.5mbs download which will give them the ability to access the Internet to check their email, surf the web, play games and connect to their corporate network. The system is available on the full train set for everyone to use once they have a Wi-Fi enabled device such as a Laptop, I – Phone or smart phone.”

[Colm Moore]

http://www.irishrail.ie/news_centre/news.asp?action=view&news_id=700 Wi-Fi trial on selected Cork-Dublin Intercity services by Corporate Communications
6th April 2010

Iarnród Éireann has announced that wi-fi trials are now underway on selected Dublin-Cork Intercity services.

The trial follows an assessment of technical aspects of a wi-fi service on the route, with strong coverage levels across the Dublin Cork line.

Initially, free wi-fi is available, and partners in the trial, Fleet Connect, will also offer web access to customers at a variety of price points, allowing Iarnród Éireann to assess the likely customer uptake.

A spokesperson for Iarnród Éireann said “we are looking forward to this exciting initiative, to establish the uptake from customers for the wi-fi services, and to see the impact on the rail travel experience. We are hoping the option to avail of on train internet connectivity for all customers – from those checking social networking sites and e-mail to business customers – will prove popular, and lead to a full introduction of wi-fi on Dublin/Cork, and its expansion to other routes – Intercity, DART and Commuter. We would intend going to tender for a supplier partner to undertake this.”

The initial trial will continue for six months on one train set, which will be rotated through scheduled services. Rail bosses are already receiving enquiries on expansion of the facility. “Many customers are already travelling with us because rail travel offers the scope to use travel time productively. Wi-fi obviously broadens such scope dramatically.”

The train-bound system has been designed and installed by Dublin-based FleetConnect, who has also supplied other Irish transport firms with on-board Wi-Fi. “The system provides up to eight concurrent connections using mobile broadband networks from O2, Vodafone, and 3,” said Patrick Cotter, Managing Director at FleetConnect. “During the journey the Moovbox’s patented SureWAN technology will intelligently choose the best networks to use based on availability, and where possible aggregate those networks to provide a bigger ‘pipe’ to the train.”

From our initial testing Iarnród Éireann passengers will be able to achieve up to 3.5mbs download which will give them the ability to access the Internet to check their email, surf the web, play games and connect to their corporate network. The system is available on the full train set for everyone to use once they have a Wi-Fi enabled device such as a Laptop, I – Phone or smart phone.”

Wi-Fi available on the following trains on Wednesday 7th April:

07.30 Cork-Heuston
11.00 Heuston-Cork
14.30 Cork-Heuston
18.00 Heuston-Cork

(Availability may be subject to change)

[Colm Moore]

http://e-edition.metroherald.ie/2010/04/06/ Dublin-Cork passengers to trial free Wi-Fi service
By Ross McDonagh

RAIL users can make use of free Wi-Fi internet access on selected Dublin to Cork services, Iarnród Éireann has confirmed.

An initial trial of the service will last six months while rail chiefs assess the uptake.

Iarnród Éireann said coverage was strong on the Dublin to Cork line, with access to mobile broadband networks from O2, Vodafone and 3.

If successful, the service will be rolled out to other Irish Rail routes including Intercity, Dart and Commuter services.

‘Many customers are already travelling with us because rail travel offers the scope to use travel time productively,’ said an Iarnród Éireann spokesman.

‘Wi-fi obviously broadens such scope dramatically.’

Tests have shown that passengers should be able to get download speeds of up to 3.5Mb per second.

Iarnród Éireann said it will monitor the uptake of the service and how it impacts on the rail travel experience:

‘We are hoping that the option to avail of on-train internet connectivity for all customers – from those checking social networking sites and e-mail to business customers – will prove popular, and lead to a full introduction of Wi-Fi on Dublin-Cork, and its expansion to other routes – Intercity, Dart and Commuter.’

Patrick Cotter, managing director at Fleet Connect, which is setting up the system, said customers will be able to access the internet using any Wi-Fi-enabled device, such as laptops, iPhones or smart phones.

‘The system provides up to eight concurrent connections using mobile broadband networks from O2, Vodafone, and 3. During the journey the Moovbox’s patented SureWAN technology will intelligently choose the best networks to use based on availability, and, where possible, aggregate those networks to provide a bigger “pipe” to the train,’ he said.

‘From our initial testing Iarnród Éireann passengers will be able to achieve up to 3.5Mb per second downloads, which will give them the ability to access the net, check their e-mail, surf the web, play games and connect to their corporate network.’

[Colm Moore]

http://www.siliconrepublic.com/news/article/15761/digital-life/free-wi-fi-for-irish-rail-passengers-begins-today
Free Wi-Fi for Irish rail passengers begins today
06.04.2010

Passengers taking the train between Dublin and Cork will be able to enjoy free internet access as part of a trial scheme being rolled out from today.

Iarnrod Eireann said free Wi-Fi connectivity for the intercity train between the two cities will be trialled for six months, after which a pay model will be introduced at varying rates.

Carried out in association with FleetConnect, who already supply wireless internet connectivity to several bus lines around Ireland, including Aircoach and CityLink, the Wi-Fi connectivity will tap the three major mobile broadband networks: Three, O2 and Vodafone.

[dowlingm]

http://www.railwaygazette.com/news/single-view/view/10/contracts-april-2010.html
Norway: Nomad Digital has signed a £1·5m contract to supply Stadler with broadband communications for 50 Flirt EMUs ordered by NSB, the first use of Nomad technology as part of a new build. As well as providing internet access, the 5 MB/sec connection will be used to monitor on-train systems.(emphasis added)

[Mark Gleeson]

The Icomera technology used in Mk4 is designed to allow remote access to the train for maintenance

What was GNER in the UK used it for all kinds of things, including stock management of catering, remote control and diagnostics of the coaches and a live feed from the black box of the locomotive which allowed monitoring of the train and indeed information about the infrastructure. The fact you could surf the net became quite a secondary issue.

In the Mk4 case they should be able to bring up the control control computer screen on a PC in Heuston and from there control everything and work through problems remotely, the coach control computer knows everything including access to the CCTV. It also means the seat reservation list can be pulled down at any location currently only Heuston and Cork can cope

[dowlingm]

Just so long as the Quality of Service and the firewall rules are properly set though - the last thing we need is some d**khead changing the res signs to "Micko woz ere"

Also, does this mean that when fully rolled out, a destination sign for Dublin-Tralee is set to "Wellington Bridge" that someone in IE might actually know AND do something about it? :rolleyes:

[Colm Moore]

Just so long as the Quality of Service and the firewall rules are properly set though - the last thing we need is some d**khead changing the res signs to "Micko woz ere"

Also, does this mean that when fully rolled out, a destination sign for Dublin-Tralee is set to "Wellington Bridge" that someone in IE might actually know AND do something about it? :rolleyes:The fear is they would change it to "Micko woz ere".

[Colm Moore]

http://irishrail.ie/news_centre/news.asp?action=view&news_id=700 Wi-Fi available on the following trains:


Thursday 8th April

12:00 Heuston Cork 14:50
15:30 Cork Heuston 18:20
19:00 Heuston Cork 21:55


Friday 9th April

09:30 Cork Heuston 12:25
13:00 Heuston Cork 15:55
16:30 Cork Heuston 19:30
21:00 Heuston Cork 23:55

Availability may be subject to change

http://twitter.com/irishrail/Friday 9th April's wi-fi trains: 09.30 Cork-Heuston, 13.00 Hn-Cork, 16.30 Cork-Hn, 21.00 Hn-Cork

[Mark Gleeson]

When the whole wifi on trains thing started out I managed to speak with people in Icomera and got the full briefing about the tech. There is a separation between the internet and the other stuff, same box but kept separate using standard VPN technlogy

The ability to remote diagnose the train has serious benefits to reliability, so if the heating dies it can be reset if an external door gives trouble and so on. We don't know if Irish Rail are using the feature but the box on the train can do it.

[Colm Moore]

http://www.irishrail.ie/news_centre/news.asp?action=view&news_id=700Wi-Fi available on the following trains:

Saturday 10th

09:30 Cork Heuston
13:00 Heuston Cork
16:30 Cork Heuston
21:00 Heuston Cork

Sunday 11th
10:30 Cork Heuston
14:00 Heuston Cork
17:30 Cork Heuston

Monday 12th
07:00 Heuston Cork
10:30 Cork Heuston
14:00 Heuston Cork
17:30 Cork Heuston

Availability may be subject to change without notice

[sean]

The fear is they would change it to "Micko woz ere".Scarily, that's not as unbelievable as it should be ...

[Kilkea]

I'm on the 06.10 Waterford-Heuston at the moment and I am picking up an unsecured wifi connection "Free Public WiFi". I'm on a 6 car 22k set which is the same one that was running the 18.35 Heuston-Waterford the yesterday. I also picked up the signal last night but though I was picking it up from the Cork train on the next platform.
Anyone know what this signal is? I tried to connect but no joy yet. It has full signal. Maybe it is just my laptop playing silly buggers!

[Colm Moore]

Its likely another wi-fi user, where their wi-fi has picked up a name of the last wi-fi terminal it used. This spread across the wi-fi network a few years ago.

This explains the basics http://www.mac-net.com/1533485.page

http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/travel/business/article3554838.ece

[Kilocharlie]

Free Public WiFi is a peer-peer system between PCs or laptops. If you see 'Free Public WiFi' it is just another laptop in the carraige and there is no internet connection available.

[plant43]

I used on board Wi-Fi while on a Via Rail train from Toronto to Montreal and it was a very pleasant experience. Fairly sure it was just using 3G as the speeds would drop dramatically from time to time but it was still usable for the most part.

Any sign of when AirAppz will start trialling their stuff?

[Mark Gleeson]

Obviously this is business so getting an official comment from Irish Rail is not possible, though we have received several emails for different people indicating that AirAppz is not taking part anymore.

Fleetconnect has pre existing UK certification for its hardware, that is both expensive and time consuming to obtain which restricts entry

[Colm Moore]

http://www.irishrail.ie/news_centre/news.asp?action=view&news_id=700 Wi-Fi available on the following trains:

Wednesday 14th

07:30 Cork Heuston
11:00 Heuston Cork
14:30 Cork Heuston
18:00 Heuston Cork

Availability may be subject to change without notice

[Colm Moore]

http://www.irishrail.ie/news_centre/news.asp?action=view&news_id=700 Wi-Fi available on the following trains:

Thursday 15th:
16:00 Heuston Cork
20:30 Cork Heuston

Friday 16th:
12:00 Heuston Cork
15:30 Cork Heuston
19:00 Heuston Cork


Availability may be subject to change without notice

[Colm Moore]

http://www.irishrail.ie/news_centre/news.asp?action=view&news_id=700 Wi-Fi available on the following trains:

Friday 16th:
12:00 Heuston Cork
15:30 Cork Heuston
19:00 Heuston Cork

Saturday 17th April
Set 4008
07:30 Cork Heuston
11:00 Heuston Cork
14:30 Cork Heuston
18:00 Heuston Cork

Sunday 18th April
14:30 Cork Heuston
18:00 Heuston Cork

Monday 19th April
06:30 Cork Heuston
10:00 Heuston Cork
13:30 Cork Heuston
17:00 Heuston Cork
20:30 Cork Heuston

Availability may be subject to change without notice

[Colm Moore]

http://www.facebook.com/iarnrodeireann WiFi Trains Tuesday 20th:
07:00 Heuston Cork,
10:30 Cork Heuston,
14:00 Heuston Cork &
17:30 Cork Heuston

[Colm Moore]

http://www.facebook.com/iarnrodeireann WiFi Trains Tomorrow Friday:

08:00 Heuston Cork,
11:30 Cork Heuston
15:00 Heuston Cork &
18:30 Cork Heuston

WiFi Train Today:

18:30 Cork Heuston

6 hours ago

[Colm Moore]

http://www.facebook.com/iarnrodeireann WiFi Train Saturday: 19:00 Heuston Cork

[Thomas Ralph]

I'm on the wi-fi train now. It's better than my O2 phone EDGE connection, but not especially fast.

[Thomas Ralph]

Interestingly any site I visit with geolocation thinks I'm in Sweden.

[Mark Gleeson]

Icomera who built the box which provides the connection are Swedish...

[Thomas Ralph]

Connection speed was consistently inconsistent. I only thought to test near the end of the journey, but I downloaded a 6.1MB song from iTunes in about 3½ minutes. There were other times that this forum took upwards of 30 seconds to load.

[Kilkea]

Assuming this test goes well, when do you think they will roll this out to the rest of the fleet?

[Mark Gleeson]

Decision at 6 months, Dublin Cork only other routes possible but restricted by coverage

[Colm Moore]

http://www.facebook.com/iarnrodeireannWi-Fi Trains Tuesday:
07:30 Cork Heuston,
11:00 Heuston Cork,
14:30 Cork Heuston &
18:00 Heuston Cork

[finnyus]

http://www.facebook.com/iarnrodeireann

IrishRail.ie /WiFi page has not been updated since the 20th April (http://www.irishrail.ie/news_centre/news.asp?action=view&news_id=700)

Could IrishRail.ie integrate twitter into their website, ppl not on twitter/facebook can view the updates on the irishrail.ie website?

You can also set facebook to update twitter automatically with changes to the facebook page.

Solves a problem of having to update all 3 sites.

[Mark Gleeson]

The facebook follows the twitter feed

There is an XML trick which the twitter feed uses to post updates when the irishrail site is updated

[finnyus]

The facebook follows the twitter feed

There is an XML trick which the twitter feed uses to post updates when the irishrail site is updated

So there is an existing framework in place with the irishrail.ie website?

[Colm Moore]

It seems that there is a system. Making sure the system works properly is an issue. When CTC post a notice on the website it goes to Facebook and Twitter also.

This notice is revised, but has last week's date on it.

http://www.irishrail.ie/news_centre/news.asp?action=view&news_id=700 Wi-Fi trial on selected Cork-Dublin Intercity services by Corporate Communications

Wi-Fi available on the following trains:

Tuesday 20th April

07:30 Cork Heuston
11:00 Heuston Cork
14:30 Cork Heuston
18:00 Heuston Cork
Availability may be subject to change without notice

Iarnród Éireann has announced that wi-fi trials are now underway on selected Dublin-Cork Intercity services.

The trial follows an assessment of technical aspects of a wi-fi service on the route, with strong coverage levels across the Dublin Cork line.

Initially, free wi-fi is available, and partners in the trial, Fleet Connect, will also offer web access to customers at a variety of price points, allowing Iarnród Éireann to assess the likely customer uptake.

A spokesperson for Iarnród Éireann said “we are looking forward to this exciting initiative, to establish the uptake from customers for the wi-fi services, and to see the impact on the rail travel experience. We are hoping the option to avail of on train internet connectivity for all customers – from those checking social networking sites and e-mail to business customers – will prove popular, and lead to a full introduction of wi-fi on Dublin/Cork, and its expansion to other routes – Intercity, DART and Commuter. We would intend going to tender for a supplier partner to undertake this.”

The initial trial will continue for six months on one train set, which will be rotated through scheduled services. Rail bosses are already receiving enquiries on expansion of the facility. “Many customers are already travelling with us because rail travel offers the scope to use travel time productively. Wi-fi obviously broadens such scope dramatically.”

The train-bound system has been designed and installed by Dublin-based FleetConnect, who has also supplied other Irish transport firms with on-board Wi-Fi. “The system provides up to eight concurrent connections using mobile broadband networks from O2, Vodafone, and 3,” said Patrick Cotter, Managing Director at FleetConnect. “During the journey the Moovbox’s patented SureWAN technology will intelligently choose the best networks to use based on availability, and where possible aggregate those networks to provide a bigger ‘pipe’ to the train.”

From our initial testing Iarnród Éireann passengers will be able to achieve up to 3.5mbs download which will give them the ability to access the Internet to check their email, surf the web, play games and connect to their corporate network. The system is available on the full train set for everyone to use once they have a Wi-Fi enabled device such as a Laptop, I – Phone or smart phone.”

[Colm Moore]

http://www.facebook.com/iarnrodeireann
Wi-Fi Services Today:
12:00 Heuston Cork,
15:30 Cork Heuston &
19:00 Heuston Cork

(subject to change without notice)

[Colm Moore]

http://www.facebook.com/iarnrodeireannWi-Fi Trains Today
09:30 Cork Heuston,
13:00 Heuston Cork,
16:30 Cork Heuston &
21:00 Heuston Cork

[TomB]

16:30 Cork Heuston

I'm on this service as I type so I got to try it out.

It's very slow. Much slower than accessing the web through my phone (Vodafone network) via bluetooth. WiFi signal strength very good though.

I would say it's just about usable.

Great service if they offered it for free, but I can see a lot of customers being unhappy if anything more than a nominal amount (say €1) was charged.

And snazzy wifi didn't stop my train from being 20 mins late!

[Colm Moore]

http://www.facebook.com/iarnrodeireannWi-Fi Trains Friday:
06:30 Cork Heuston,
10:00 Heuston Cork,
13:30 Cork Heuston,
17:00 Heuston Cork &
20:30 Cork Heuston

[Colm Moore]

http://www.irishrail.ie/news_centre/news.asp?action=view&news_id=700 Wi-Fi trial on selected Cork-Dublin Intercity services by Corporate Communications

Wi-Fi available on the following trains:

Friday 30th April

06:30 Cork Heuston
10:00 Heuston Cork
13:30 Cork Heuston
17:00 Heuston Cork
20:30 Cork Heuston

Saturday 1st May

07:00 Heuston Cork
10:30 Cork Heuston
14:00 Heuston Cork
17:30 Cork Heuston

Sunday 2nd May

10:00 Heuston Cork
13:30 Cork Heuston
17:00 Heuston Cork

Monday 3rd May

07:30 Cork Heuston
11:00 Heuston Cork
14:30 Cork Heuston
18:00 Heuston Cork

Tuesday 4th May

05:05 Cork Heuston
15:00 Heuston Cork
18:30 Cork Heuston

Availability may be subject to change without notice

[Colm Moore]

http://www.irishrail.ie/news_centre/news.asp?action=view&news_id=700Wi-Fi trial on selected Cork-Dublin Intercity services by Corporate Communications

Wi-Fi available on the following trains:

Tuesday 4th May
05:05 Cork Heuston
15:00 Heuston Cork
18:30 Cork Heuston

Wednesday 5th May
07:30 Cork Heuston
11:00 Heuston Cork
14:30 Cork Heuston
18:00 Heuston Cork

Availability may be subject to change without notice

[Colm Moore]

http://irishrail.ie/news_centre/news.asp?action=view&news_id=700 Wi-Fi trial on selected Cork-Dublin Intercity services by Corporate Communications

Wi-Fi available on the following trains:

Thursday 6th May

05:05 Cork Heuston
12:00 Heuston Cork
15:30 Cork Heuston
19:00 Heuston Cork

Availability may be subject to change without notice

[Colm Moore]

http://www.irishrail.ie/news_centre/news.asp?action=view&news_id=700 Wi-Fi trial on selected Cork-Dublin Intercity services by Corporate Communications

Wi-Fi available on the following trains:


Sunday 9th May

12:30 Cork / Heuston
16:00 Heuston / Cork
19:30 Cork / Heuston


Availability may be subject to change without notice

[Colm Moore]

http://www.irishrail.ie/news_centre/news.asp?action=view&news_id=700 Wi-Fi trial on selected Cork-Dublin Intercity services by Corporate Communications

Wi-Fi available on the following trains:

Thursday 20th May

14:00 Heuston/Cork
17:30 Cork/Heuston
21:00 Heuston/Cork

Friday 21st May

06:30 Cork/Heuston
10:00 Heuston/Cork

13:30 Cork/Heuston
17:00 Heuston/Cork
20:30 Cork/Heuston

Availability may be subject to change without notice

[Colm Moore]

http://www.irishrail.ie/news_centre/news.asp?action=view&news_id=700 Wi-Fi trial on selected Cork-Dublin Intercity services by Corporate Communications

Wi-Fi available on the following trains:

Sunday 23rd:

10:00 Heuston Cork
13:30 Cork Heuston
17:00 Heuston Cork

Monday 24th:
07:30 Cork Heuston
11:00 Heuston Cork
14:30 Cork Heuston
18:00 Heuston Cork

Availability may be subject to change without notice

[Colm Moore]

http://www.irishrail.ie/news_centre/news.asp?action=view&news_id=700 Wi-Fi trial on selected Cork-Dublin Intercity services by Corporate Communications

WiFi Services Today 3rd June
11:00 Heuston Cork
14:30 Cork Heuston
18:00 Heuston Cork

Friday 4th June
05:05 Cork Heuston
09:00 Heuston Cork
12:30 Cork Heuston
16:00 Heuston Cork

Availability may be subject to change without notice

[Colm Moore]

http://www.irishrail.ie/news_centre/news.asp?action=view&news_id=700 Wi-Fi trial on selected Cork-Dublin Intercity services by Corporate Communications

Friday 4th June
05:05 Cork Heuston
09:00 Heuston Cork
12:30 Cork Heuston
16:00 Heuston Cork

Saturday 5th June
08:00 Mallow Cork
09:30 Cork Heuston
13:00 Heuston Cork
16:30 Cork Heuston
21:00 Heuston Cork

Sunday 6th June
10:30 Cork Heuston
14:00 Heuston Cork
17:30 Cork Heuston

Monday 7th June
16:00 Heuston Cork

Tuesday 8th June
07:30 Cork Heuston
11:00 Heuston Cork
14:30 Cork Heuston
18:00 Heuston Cork

Availability may be subject to change without notice

[Colm Moore]

http://www.irishrail.ie/news_centre/news.asp?action=view&news_id=700
Wi-Fi trial on selected Cork-Dublin Intercity services by Corporate Communications

Tuesday 8th June

07:30 Cork Heuston
11:00 Heuston Cork
14:30 Cork Heuston
18:00 Heuston Cork

Wednesday 9th June
12:00 Heuston Cork
15:30 Cork Heuston
19:00 Heuston Cork

Availability may be subject to change without notice

[Colm Moore]

http://www.irishrail.ie/news_centre/news.asp?action=view&news_id=700 Due to regular Train maintenance, WIFI is currently unavailable

[Colm Moore]

http://www.irishrail.ie/news_centre/news.asp?action=view&news_id=700 Monday 14th June

05:05 Cork-Heuston
15:00 Heuston-Cork
18:30 Cork-Heuston

Availability may be subject to change without notice

[Colm Moore]

http://www.irishrail.ie/news_centre/news.asp?action=view&news_id=700 Wi-Fi trial on selected Cork-Dublin Intercity services by Corporate Communications

Tuesday 15th June
09:30 Cork Heuston 12:25
13:00 Heuston Cork 15:55
16:30 Cork Heuston 19:30
21:00 Heuston Cork 23:55

Wednesday 16th June
07:30 Cork Heuston
11:00 Heuston Cork
14:30 Cork Heuston
18:00 Heuston Cork

Availability may be subject to change without notice

[Colm Moore]

http://irishrail.ie/news_centre/news.asp?action=view&news_id=700 Wi-Fi trial on selected Cork-Dublin Intercity services by Corporate Communications
Thursday 17th June

14:00 Heuston Cork
17:30 Cork Heuston

Availability may be subject to change without notice

Due to regular Train maintenance, WIFI is currently unavailable

[Colm Moore]

[http://www.irishrail.ie/news_centre/news.asp?action=view&news_id=700 Wi-Fi trial on selected Cork-Dublin Intercity services by Corporate Communications

Thursday 17th June
14:00 Heuston Cork
17:30 Cork Heuston

Friday 18th June
12:00 Heuston Cork
15:30 Cork Heuston
19:00 Heuston Cork

Availability may be subject to change without notice

[Colm Moore]

http://irishrail.ie/news_centre/news.asp?action=view&news_id=700 Wi-Fi trial on selected Cork-Dublin Intercity services by Corporate Communications

Sunday 20th June
12:30 Cork Heuston
16:00 Heuston Cork
19:30 Cork Heuston

Monday 21st June
07:00 Heuston Cork
10:30 Cork Heuston
14:00 Heuston Cork
17:30 Cork Heuston

Availability may be subject to change without notice

[Colm Moore]

http://irishrail.ie/news_centre/news.asp?action=view&news_id=700Wi-Fi trial on selected Cork-Dublin Intercity services by Corporate Communications

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Monday 21st June
07:00 Heuston Cork
10:30 Cork Heuston
14:00 Heuston Cork
17:30 Cork Heuston

Tuesday 22nd June
16:00 Heuston Cork

Availability may be subject to change without notice

[comcor]

I'm currently on a Thalys train from Paris to Rotterdam and using the WiFi onboard. One thing I notice is that this train uses satellite access to the Internet, although it also uses 3G for access in tunnels etc.

Is there any particular benefits to choosing satellite over 3G or vice versa. Given that this is one of the busiest train lines in the Europe (At this point, it's shared with Eurostar and French domestic services) and runs through some of the most densely populated parts of Europe, I would have thought that 3G would be a good choice here, while satellite made sense in Ireland. Strange that it's the other way round, No?

BTW Access is free in 1st class, but paid in 2nd class. I reckon Irish Rail should look at that model because at the moment, the other benefits of 1st class can't justify the expense.

[Colm Moore]

The trains would be jumping from cell to cell very quickly. With a thousand people on board, it would be quite unkind to the phone system. By contrast, the change in angle to a satellite would be quite slight.

[Mark Gleeson]

Satellite is slower (in response time terms) and more expensive plus it requires a lump on the roof. The equipment Irish Rail has does support satellite if required.

TGV lines run through open countryside with little or no population, you won't get 3G coverage out there and at 300kph+ GSM technology is well outside its comfort zone.

[dowlingm]

VIA Rail uses satellite - usable for facebook but unusable for IPSec VPN - and at lower latitudes than 52-54N. (The delay in a roundtrip to a geosync orbit adds 250msec latency just on that segment). Probably rubbish to VoIP too. It's the business travellers IE needs to grab in the long run.