Europe UK : T-Mobile announced an agreement to provide on-train Wi-Fi access to passengers on all Heathrow Express trains. The HotSpot service is currently being rolled out by T-Mobile's solution partner, Nomad Digital, and will be fully operational in early 2007.

The service will provide a broadband connection throughout the entire journey, including all tunnel sections, at speeds of up to 8 megabits per second (Mbps). Users will be able to purchase Wi-Fi HotSpot access passes on-board the train and can continue using the service at other T-Mobile HotSpots when they arrive at Heathrow, or at over 200 convenient locations within Central London, such as Starbucks coffee shops, Borders bookstores and select hotels. Likewise, valid HotSpot passes bought prior to boarding, can be used on the train.

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 purposes. The Heathrow Express sees around 5.3 million passenger journeys per annum, and includes a higher than average percentage of business travellers.

Brian Raven, Managing Director, Heathrow Express says, "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. 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.

"Our award winning customer service combined with our commitment to providing customers with the latest in technology is yet another reason why we are the best choice for business and leisure air passengers travelling to and from Heathrow Airport."

Jay Saw, HotSpot Manager, T-Mobile UK says, "We are delighted to be able to announce the new HotSpot service on the Heathrow Express. This builds on the success of the service we launched in April 2005 on the London-Brighton Southern train line. It will also complement our coverage throughout Heathrow Airport, the most extensive of all Wi-Fi providers at Heathrow, including many airline lounges, and throughout Central London, ensuring that passengers are able to log-on at all stages of their journey.

"Whilst 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. This can be particularly useful when they simply don't have the time to access email when checking in for a flight or rushing for a meeting in Central London. 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."

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