Heathrow Express on track for Wi-Fi service

Users will be able to purchase Wi-Fi access passes onboard the train

Laptop users will be offered Wi-Fi internet access on the Heathrow Express from next year. 

The service, provided by T-Mobile, will allow passengers to use a broadband connection throughout the entire journey, including all tunnel sections, at speeds of up to 8Mbps. 

Users will be able to purchase Wi-Fi access passes onboard the train and can continue using the service at other T-Mobile HotSpots when they arrive at Heathrow.

With journey times of up to 23 minutes and on-platform waiting time of up to 15 minutes at either end, the HotSpot service will enable train passengers to quickly access the internet, email and other applications whether for work or leisure.

Over 5.3 million passenger use the Heathrow Express service between Paddington and the airport every year.

"We are constantly looking for ways to enhance our customers' journeys and this is another innovation designed to make using our service as convenient and seamless as possible," said Heathrow Express managing director Brian Raven.

"We know that our customers will appreciate having continual web and email access during their journey just as they appreciate the speed and frequency of our services."

Jay Saw, HotSpot manager at T-Mobile UK, added: "While the Heathrow Express is a relatively short route, the Wi-Fi service will enable business users to check their email or send important documents prior to a flight or meeting.

"For leisure purposes, users will be able to upload pictures from their trip to a blog, email friends and family, catch up on the latest sports news or download songs before they fly."