Right now, I'm surrounded by journalists and photographers on the 10:06 London Victoria to Brighton service. We're testing out the new T-Mobile wireless internet service.There are other slower services on Virgin and GNER trains, but T-Mobile and Southern are touting this as the first on-train broadband service. That said, with maximum speeds of 200KBPS it's not super fast but we have managed to watch video reports on BBC News without too many glitches.
More soon! We're testing whether the service still works in tunnels and cuttings...
Later on, back in the bricks and mortar office...
OK. Contrary to a report by Brighton's troubled local newspaper the Argus, coverage was not smooth. (I did link to the Argus piece, but in a typically web ignorant local paper way they change the links after one day! Alas...)
The facts - and my verdict...
The details...
What exactly is this?
T-Mobile, Southern trains and tech firm Nomad Digital have created what they claim is the world's first on-train wireless broadband internet network. The service recorded 75 users in the first 10 days which, say the providers, exceeded all expectations.
How does it work?
There's a standard wireless network linked to a on-board server, and that transmits to 35 trackside antennae on the London to Brighton line. Those are connected to the main network, so you can work online and use email while travelling. Because the data your computer sends and receives is temporarily stored through the onboard server, you can (at least in theory) still use the network in tunnels and cuttings.
How much does it cost?
It's free until June, and then the service will cost the same as T-Mobile's standard wireless services. That's between £5 for one hour and £13 for one day. Full details on the T-Mobile site.
When can I use the service?
Only selected trains carry the wireless service, although more will be rolled out. Those services are:
From Brighton to London Victoria: 0716, 0949, 1219, 1449, 1719, 2019
From London Victoria to Brighton: 0836, 1106, 1336, 1606, 1906, 2136
How do I get going?
While the service is free, just boot up your wireless-enabled laptop, open a web browser and you should be automatically taken to a web page where you just have to click a button to initiate your web connection..
From June, you will need to enter a password once you open your web browser. You can buy a pass from train staff, pay by credit card online or, if you are already a T-Mobile customer, you can have the cost added to your existing mobile phone account. It's exactly the same principle for all wireless hotspots and you can use your pass card at any of T-Mobile's 700 other UK hotspots.
Will it be introduced anywhere else?
There are a couple of GPRS or satellite-based internet services on trains in the UK, including GNER and Virgin. But those services are considerably slower, according to T-Mobile.
Nomad and T-Mobile are talking to several other UK train operators about rolling out the service on other routes but would not say who or where.
The Brighton line was chosen because it has a particularly high number of commuters - around 8,000 - as well as a large media community. (C'est moi.)
The verdict: not really worth emailing home about
It took me a while to get around to writing my conclusions on this service because, well, I suppose overall I wasn't that impressed.
Yes, it's on trial. Yes, the train was packed. And yes, everyone was trying as much stuff as possible - including watching video. But when you've been spoilt by deliciously huge and extremely reliable broadband, it's a real step backwards using a slow or intermittent service.
Straight outta London, the signal strength was pretty good. Most pages downloaded fairly fast. However, once we passed East Croydon I lost the signal several times and spent most of the journey thumping the (small for laptops) table in frustration.
And a few other thoughts
How long before train operators are asked to introduce 'appropriate use' guidelines on the service? Looking over someone's shoulder at the Evening Standard is one thing, but with the access to the 'anything goes' internet it could all get, well, a bit sticky...
Elbows, laptops, clashing devices: even on the slightly larger tables, it's a squeeze to work opposite another laptop. How much train rage will we see as a result of clashing devices? "Don't you even look at my PowerBook!"
So we can now work on the train - utilising 'dead time' as the marketeers will say. But what does 'dead time' mean? Time to clear your mind, settle yourself for 50 minutes before your meeting in London, time to wind down after work? I love wireless internet because it properly liberates my laptop. But just because we can work on the train, it doesn't mean we should. And with the extra stress of a stroppy signal, I'm not sure it's worth the bother.
Take a deep breath. Step away from the wireless carriage, plug into Rufus Wainwright and enjoy the view.
More news from dotJournalism:
Cut the internet cord
Press photographers surf the wireless wave
Wireless fidelity - all the way
TV team files story wirelessly
Wire-free down under
Hacks on the beach
Comments? Email me.
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