Back to work woes: 693 million train journeys affected by WI-FI issues
Four in ten (41%) Brits rely on train onboard Wi-Fi[1] during their commutes to and from work
The worst rated train lines for Wi-Fi connection are c2c, London Overground, Caledonian Sleeper, Avanti West Coast and CrossCountry[2]
Eurostar, London North Eastern Railway and Grand Central[3] were ranked top of the list for their fast and reliable Wi-Fi services
Uswitch.com shares advice on how to safeguard and improve internet connection during train travel
With one quarter (25%) of Brits saying that going back to work is giving them the January blues [4], commuting might not be helping - as despite 41% saying they rely on onboard train Wi-Fi [1], seven in ten (70%) claim they often experience Wi-Fi interruptions during their train journey[5], according to a new study by Uswitch.com.
Based on the 990 million passenger journeys that take place per year, this could mean up to 693 million train journeys suffered Wi-Fi disruption on UK trains in the past year[6].
In recent years, the UK government has invested more than £53 million to improve connection points along tracks and on trains, so most train operators offer free Wi-Fi as standard - now available on around 90% of train services [7].
And with train Wi-Fi rumoured to be at risk of being cut by the Department of Transport as a cost-cutting measure, those who rely on it should consider alternative ways to stay connected if the onboard Wi-Fi lets them down [8].
When it comes to how Wi-Fi is used, one third (32%) of travellers are using train Wi-Fi for work. The study showed that seven in ten (70%) commuters claim they often experience Wi-Fi interruptions to and from work [5], affecting social media use (55%), their daily news reading (46%) and catching up on work emails (32%) [9].
Despite reliance on train Wi-Fi, only 17% of travellers say they’d be willing to pay for train Wi-Fi for a guaranteed good connection during their journeys [11].
The best and worst rated train lines for traveller Wi-Fi
Uswitch has looked into commuters’ experience with train lines around the UK to reveal the best and worst-connected train lines. c2c has topped the list of the worst train lines, with 34% experiencing no Wi-Fi or poor connection or availability, followed by London Overground (31%) and the Caledonian Sleeper (31%).[2]
However, those travelling to Paris for the weekend will be able to enjoy watching films and checking social media as train lines that were rated as having good or excellent Wi-Fi availability and speed/reliability include Eurostar (55%), London North Eastern Railway (49%) and Grand Central (48%).[3]
The best and worst train lines for Wi-Fi are:
Worst train lines for Wi-Fi [2]
Best train lines for Wi-Fi[3]
Ru Bhikha, mobiles expert at Uswitch.com, commented: “Train Wi-Fi is dependent on 3G or 4G in the area, with the train’s antennae picking up on signal from nearby masts or base stations. This means onboard WI-FI can be affected during moments of poor signal, such as the train going through tunnels, network overload or the number of connecting users.
“But there are ways to get around dodgy train Wi-Fi - from checking your train route and local signal checkers as well as considering dongles or mobile SIM-only plans which have strong network connections covering your travel route - you’ll always have a back up if the train’s own signal becomes unreliable or overloaded. Some devices even have the option for dual-sims, meaning you can switch between sims to use data plans in areas with better coverage.
“Train operators are under ongoing public scrutiny, and prices are set to go up once again in March this year. It will come as no surprise that there’s a lot of attention on value and satisfaction when it comes to train travel - and Wi-Fi connection on board is becoming a non-negotiable when it comes to consumers’ journeys.
“Our research shows that around half of Brits call train Wi-Fi ‘essential’ for their commute to work, and rely on it to keep in touch with friends and family. Any disruptions to connection have the potential to affect both commuters' work and personal lives.”
Uswitch advice for tackling train Wi-Fi issues:
With Government discussions about potential cuts to free train Wi-Fi, recently, Uswitch offers the following advice for having a more connected commute.
Consider SIM-only deals - Over half (57%) of Brits rely on mobile data if the Wi-Fi does not work on a train [12], so users should make sure they are aware of their data plans. There are well priced options out there – Uswitch, for instance, offers a range of SIM-only deals, including exclusive ones starting from as little as £1.58 per month, so it’s worth considering switching if your regular train line doesn’t provide the strongest Wi-Fi connection.
Download large files before travelling - As data is limited per user on some routes, consider downloading large files, such as films or games, before travelling to ensure you avoid your connection suddenly cutting out in the middle of an important moment.
Plug in a dongle - A dongle will allow you to get online quickly, wherever you are, so is a good option for those who travel a lot and don’t want to rely on train Wi-Fi. Plus, mobile broadband dongles run on the battery of your computer or laptop, meaning you don’t need an additional charger for them.
Check coverage before you travel - Take a look at the coverage provided by SIM-only deals before you travel for that area. Ofcom has a mobile and broadband availability checker to view predicted mobile availability based on the postcode. This might allow you an advantage when connecting, if the trains WI-FI is not accessible.
Visit Uswitch.com to view best SIM-only deals for those struggling with commuter Wi-Fi.
Notes to editors: Opinium surveyed a sample of 2,000 UK adults from the 9th to 12th January 2024, with 4,000 UK adults surveyed about the best and worst train lines for Wi-Fi and the number of issues with onboard Wi-Fi in an average month. Results have been weighted to be nationally representative.
1. Respondents were asked to what extent they agreed with the following statements about using Wi-Fi while travelling on the train. 41% selected ‘Agree’ or ‘Strongly agree’ with ‘I rely on train Wi-Fi to work on my commute’.
2. Respondents were asked ‘How would you rate the Wi-Fi connection for each of the train companies you have tried to use the onboard Wi-Fi on?’. The results for each train line were calculated by adding those who selected ‘no Wi-Fi available in my experience’ with those who selected ‘poor connection or availability’. This was 34% for c2c, 31% for London Overground and 31% for the Caledonian Sleeper.
3. Respondents were asked ‘How would you rate the Wi-Fi connection for each of the train companies you have tried to use the onboard Wi-Fi on?’. The results for each train line were calculated by adding those who selected ‘Excellent Wi-Fi availability with excellent speed / reliability’’ with those who selected ‘Good Wi-Fi availability with good speed / reliability’. This was 55% for Eurostar, 49% for London North Eastern Railway and 48% for Grand Central.
4. Respondents were asked ‘Which, if any, of the following is most likely to give you the ‘January blues’ / depresses you the most about January? Please select a maximum of 3 answer options.’ 25% selected ‘Train delays’.
5. Respondents were asked to what extent they agreed with the following statements about using Wi-Fi while travelling on the train. 70% selected ‘Agree’ or ‘Strongly agree’ with ‘I often experience Wi-Fi interruptions during my commute’.
6. Calculated based on looking at 70% (who selected ‘I often experience Wi-Fi interruptions during my commute’) of 990 million passenger journeys that take place each year https://www.gov.uk/government/ statistics/rail-factsheet- 2022/rail-factsheet-2022 = 693 million
7. https://www.raileurope.com/en- gb/blog/wifi-on-trains#:~: text=In%20Europe%2C%20all% 20major%20train,the%20vast% 20majority%20of%20trains
8. https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/ business-65673622
9. Respondents were asked, ‘What do you use Wi-Fi on the train for?’ 32% selected ‘working - e.g. reading or sending emails’, 55% selected ‘checking social media’ and 46% selected ‘reading the news’. 32% selected ‘working e.g. reading or sending emails’
10. Respondents were asked ‘To what extent do you agree with the following statements about using Wi-Fi while travelling on the train?’. 17% selected ‘Agree or ‘Strongly agree’ with ‘I would be willing to pay for train Wi-Fi for a guaranteed good connection’.
11. Respondents were asked ‘How far do you agree or disagree with each of the following statements?’. 50% selected ‘Agree’ or ‘Strongly agree’ with ‘I consider train Wi-Fi essential to my commute to work’ and 48% selected ‘Agree’ or ‘Strongly agree’ with ‘I rely on train Wi-Fi to keep in touch with friends and family’
12. Respondents were asked ‘To what extent do you agree with the following statements about using Wi-Fi while travelling on the train?’. 57% selected ‘Agree’ or ‘Strongly agree’ with ‘If the Wi-Fi does not work on a train - I rely on my mobile data to work’
About Uswitch
Uswitch is one of the UK’s top comparison websites for home services switching, including energy, broadband and mobiles.
More people go to Uswitch to switch their energy, broadband and mobile than any other site, and we have saved consumers over £2.7 billion off their bills since we launched in September 2000.
Free mobile app Utrack also helps households manage their home energy usage and make potential savings.
Uswitch is part of RVU, a group of online brands with a mission to empower consumers to make more confident home services, insurance and financial decisions.