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David Cameron told MPs in the Commons that it was 'vital for businesses and for individuals to be able to access Wi-Fi and do their work and all other contact while they are on trains'.
He said: “I am pleased to announce plans that will see the rollout of free Wi-Fi on trains across the United Kingdom from 2017. The government will invest nearly £50 million to ensure that rail passengers are better connected.”
He said that the investment would benefit passengers with four rail operators – TSGN, Southeastern, Chiltern and Arriva Trains Wales – covering more than 500 million journeys a year.
The investment will be funded from £50 million fines imposed by the Office of Rail Regulation on Network Rail for the late running of services.
Under the proposals, passengers will be able to go online via equipment installed alongside the track instead of being reliant on a satellite signal.
IPSE, the Association of Independent Professionals and the Self Employed, welcomed the bews, saying it will 'bring Britain up to speed' and help independent professionals flourish up and down the country.
The group has supported this policy in its recent manifesto as a means of to creating a better connected Britain and to allowing independent professionals flourish.
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"Other IPSE policies that have already been taken up include the creation of freelance ambassador David Morris MP, a pledge from the Conservative Party to set up a business conciliation service and steps to ease the procurement process for the smallest businesses.
"Rolling out WiFi across rail networks will be another success for the UK's booming self-employed sector. IPSE has also called for mobile coverage on London's underground, the accelerated rollout of 4G coverage and a guarantee that new housing developments have fibre-optic broadband."
Mr McVicker believes that the time in right to invest now in digital infrastructure. He said: "Ahead of May's General Election, we hope all Parties will commit to improving Britain's infrastructure. In our digital economy, it's more important than ever to ensure Britain's infrastructure is fit for purpose and politicians from all Parties have an ideal opportunity to do this ahead of the election."
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Susie Hughes © Shout99 2015
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