How good is train Wi-Fi?

Train Wi-Fi: A Frustrating Journey

For many commuters and travelers, having access to Wi-Fi on trains is essential for staying connected and entertained. However, the reality of train Wi-Fi often falls short of expectations, leaving users disappointed and frustrated.

Frequent Disconnections

Like cellular service, train Wi-Fi is notorious for frequent disconnections. This is due to the train’s movement constantly changing its location, affecting the signal strength and stability. In areas with weak 4G/5G signals, which trains often travel through, disconnections are even more common.

Slow Speeds

Even when connected, train Wi-Fi speeds are typically slow. Most trains offer speeds around 2 Mbps, which is barely enough for basic tasks like checking emails or sending messages. Web browsing becomes a frustrating endeavor, with pages loading slowly and images taking forever to appear. Streaming videos or downloading large files is simply not feasible.

Unsuitable for Video Calling

Video calling on train Wi-Fi is a challenge due to its unreliability and low bandwidth. The frequent disconnections and slow speeds make it difficult to hold a stable video call without interruptions or pixelated images.

Reasons for Poor Performance

There are several reasons for the poor performance of train Wi-Fi:

• Limited bandwidth: Trains share the same cellular network as phones and other devices, leading to congestion and slow speeds.
• Signal interference: Train tracks and tunnels can interfere with cellular signals, causing disconnections and reduced bandwidth.
• Outdated equipment: Some trains are equipped with older Wi-Fi technology that cannot handle the increasing demand for data.

Conclusion

Train Wi-Fi has the potential to be a valuable amenity, but its frequent disconnections and slow speeds make it unreliable and disappointing for users. Until significant improvements are made to infrastructure and technology, train Wi-Fi will continue to be a frustrating experience for commuters and travelers alike.