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Signal Problems – Brits Prefer 4G Mobile Broadband to Wi-Fi on Trains

Thursday, Aug 17th, 2017 (10:00 am) - Score 2,218

A new survey from YouGov, which was commissioned by Cobham Wireless, has revealed that British adults would rather connect to the internet on trains via a 3G or 4G mobile data network (51%) than public WiFi (36%), yet only 33% of passengers felt that the mobile signal was good enough.

The reason so many people prefer Mobile Broadband to WiFi on trains is because 41% dislike having to share personal information in order to connect to a WiFi service (solution – use fake details) and 63% were concerned about the security of such networks, which are much easier for hackers to target. On top of that only 13% found the WiFi service to be good and 22% said that WiFi wasn’t even available.

Ingo Flömer, Cobham Wireless’s Product Director, said:

“The research has revealed that in these hyper connected times the majority of commuters expect to be able to connect to the internet on trains via their mobile service provider. Unfortunately, because of a lack of mobile phone coverage passengers find it difficult to work during their business commute, unable to browse the internet, send emails, or even make phone calls.

On-board Wi-Fi doesn’t live up to expectations either. Rail passengers would much rather stay connected to the internet via their mobile service because it’s more secure and more convenient to use. This is good news for mobile operators and the rail companies looking to improve the standard of service they offer to their customers, giving them the opportunity to satisfy the demand for better quality mobile coverage on trains.

Passengers are already frustrated with disruptions to rail services caused by delays, industrial action and maintenance, with major works taking place at Waterloo station in London and on services between Cardiff and Newport. These frustrations are compounded by train fares increasing year on year. The results of the study are clear, more investment in mobile phone coverage would go a long way to improving passenger’s train journey experience and ensure they stay connected to work during their busy commute.”

Naturally Cobham Wireless has a vested interest here because they claim to be “global leaders in the provision of advanced wireless coverage and mobile communications systems.” Otherwise YouGov’s survey was conducted online with 2,038 adults between 5th – 6th July 2017. The figures have been weighted and are said to be representative of all GB adults (aged 18+).

Mark-Jackson
By Mark Jackson
Mark is a professional technology writer, IT consultant and computer engineer from Dorset (England), he also founded ISPreview in 1999 and enjoys analysing the latest telecoms and broadband developments. Find me on X (Twitter), Mastodon, Facebook and .
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