Stay Curious

SIGN UP FOR OUR WEEKLY NEWSLETTER AND UNLOCK ONE MORE ARTICLE FOR FREE.

Sign Up

VIEW OUR Privacy Policy


Discover Magazine Logo

WANT MORE? KEEP READING FOR AS LOW AS $1.99!

Subscribe

ALREADY A SUBSCRIBER?

FIND MY SUBSCRIPTION
Advertisement

Drones Could Boost Wi-Fi Signals on U.K. Trains

Discover how plans for Wi-Fi access aboard trains may revolutionize mobile connectivity. Drones could be the key to better service!

Newsletter

Sign up for our email newsletter for the latest science news

Sign Up

Multi-taskers aboard passenger trains in the United Kingdom could someday post a Facebook update or upload a Google doc with the help of a drone. Earlier this year, U.K. Prime Minister David Cameron announced a new initiative to boost mobile connectivity and provide free Wi-Fi access aboard the trains of four major companies that, combined, account for more than 500 million journeys annually. The government has contributed $78 million (£50 million) to fulfill its pledge, but how exactly trains will become Wi-Fi hotspots remains an open question. That’s where drones come into the picture.

Sitting aboard a train is a perfect time to get some work done, but life on the rails isn’t exactly 4G-friendly. Tunnels, trees, and thick metal train carriages make it quite difficult to maintain a reliable signal from point A to B. "Dropped calls and intermittent access to the internet are frustrations felt by many rail ...

Stay Curious

JoinOur List

Sign up for our weekly science updates

View our Privacy Policy

SubscribeTo The Magazine

Save up to 40% off the cover price when you subscribe to Discover magazine.

Subscribe
Advertisement

0 Free Articles