Going Underground With WiFi Trial

By Nathalie Thomas

GLASGOW Underground will seek to help business commuters anxious to check e-mails on the move by trialling a Wi-Fi system in the next few weeks.

People using Buchanan Street station are expected to be able to access e-mails and make and receive telephone calls below ground before the end of March.

If successful, it is believed that Strathclyde Partnership for Transport, which manages the city’s subway, will roll out Wi-Fi and mobile access to the rest of the network by the end of the year.

Train operator First ScotRail is also considering introducing Wi- Fi on its services in the Central Belt.

A spokesman for the firm said: “We’re aware of the enhanced interest among the business community and are exploring opportunities in the marketplace for provision of WiFi on the Glasgow to Edinburgh route, about which we are in discussion with Transport Scotland.”

In November, coach operator Scottish Citylink introduced wireless internet access on its routes between Edinburgh and Glasgow.

The move prompted calls for First ScotRail to make Wi-Fi available to rail passengers travelling between the cities.

The lack of internet provision and poor mobile reception on the line is a common complaint.

Fraser Smart, northern regional manager at Buck Consultants, the actuarial firm, said: “I use that train line regularly. It would make a big difference to my working day if Wi-Fi was introduced.”

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