The new wifi service will offer seamless connectivity and single sign-on at all Network Rail stations*, automatically connecting passengers to wifi across Network Rail’s 20-strong station network from Spring 2020, starting with London Victoria.

Free wifi has been identified by passengers as one of the key improvements that could be made to enhance their station experience, along with free toilets and more seating. With toilets in Britain’s 20 busiest stations now free, and seating being installed across the network, the rail operator is taking significant steps to improve the experience for the 900 million passengers who pass through these stations each year.

Planning for the roll-out of free wifi is already underway, with Network Rail awarding a contract to telent technology to deliver the scheme. The partnership with telent will ensure the digital infrastructure is future-proofed, with the expectation that longer-term benefits and commercial opportunities for Network Rail will arise going forward.

At the announcement of the project Network Rail chief executive, Andrew Haines, said:

Passengers now expect seamless connectivity from their train to our stations, to their place of work, and to their homes, so I am pleased that millions of passengers who use our stations will soon have access to free, fast and secure wifi.

Euston and London Bridge stations already provide free wifi to passengers following an earlier pilot scheme. The wifi system will be phased into the remaining stations across the country from Spring 2020 and will take around one year to fully deploy.