Broadband boost for train passengers planned

The recent and continuing argument about the need for the HS2 rail line is an example; such a debate would not have taken place in the 1980s. Now, a further example has appeared of rail's new place in our lives as Transport Secretary Patrick McLoughlin – in a party conference address –has announced plans to bring high speed broadband to high speed trains. Under the plans, passengers will be able to stream video directly to their mobile devices, thanks to vastly improved bandwidth. McLoughlin said: "There are few things more frustrating than trying to phone a friend or access the internet, only to be thwarted by bad signal. Passengers deserve to have the best mobile technology and that is why I am pleased that industry is coming together to make that a reality." Those living in the countryside might look at this announcement and at McLoughlin's statement with a degree of anger. The Government has pledged to roll out 2Mbit/s broadband to 90% of the country in the next few years, but the Public Accounts Committee has savaged the scheme recently and there are stories of communities lashing together wireless broadband schemes in desperation of ever getting 'hooked up' to the web. Yes, better rail links are needed, but you might think the Government would be equally interested in supporting small businesses being set up in remote areas.