Train question :)

[toomanykids]

I'm embarking on a long journey tomorrow and was wondering how I would go about getting wireless Internet on the train, I've seen people with laptops etc before....are they using their own doodah thing or can you purchase a couple of hours from the train company? Thanks :)

[Huguenot]

Very rare to have wireless on a train - if they're using t'web (no guarantee), it's more likely they have a bluetooth connection to a smartphone modem.

[toomanykids]

Ahhh I see no good for me then as I rely on 3G network on my iPad it's going to be a long trip! Thanks

[kpc]

Think Virgin Trains have wi-fi throughout now.

[toomanykids]

Really? That's great news, I'll ask before I board then thanks

[Huguenot]

3G on your iPad should work - it's a telecoms service, not a wifi one?

Don't think they have wi-fi on the Cotswold Hoppers?

[toomanykids]

I'm not sure who I'm travelling with yet as I booked with www.thetrainline.com

Really must find out!

[maxxi]

Virgin have wi-fi internet on trains (free in 1st class) but I think they're the only ones - others like Great Western do not.

[toomanykids]

Thanks maxxi so if they charge on virgin do you have to purchase wifi key before you board or can it Ben done through searching wireless once on the train?

[matthew123]

I think you pay on board virgin trains

http://www.virgintrains.co.uk/trains/wi-fi/frequently-asked-questions/

[Lozellen]

A few of the different train companies offer it, but not all. Worth checking on the website of the company you're travelling with it. I used it last week on London Midland and I think the East coast trains have it too.

[toomanykids]

thanks everyone....great help :)

[Horsebox]

Huguenot Wrote:

-------------------------------------------------------

> 3G on your iPad should work - it's a telecoms

> service, not a wifi one?

>

This. If you have an iPad 3G why would you want to pay the train co for an expensive wireless connection?

[Frankito]

Huguenot isright, go to 3 and get the monthly 3G subscription (non contract). I think it's only about ?10.

[StraferJack]

As someone who has a regular 3 hour train ride with work, 3G isn't good enough through a lot of the country. You will be hit by many comms black spots

But if you have to use 3G, rather than fork out for a new contract can you use your phone (Android, iphone 4) as a wifi hotspot (ie it pretends to be a wifi hotspot, allowing your wifi ipad to use it's 3g connection)

[Huguenot]

Hmmmm.....

This is getting bonkers, through a lack of common terms ;-)

3 is a telecoms provider - like Orange or O2.

3G is a telecoms standard that allows data transfer - if you already have a 3G data service from a telecoms provider then you can download data (like the internet) to your compatible device.

iPad 3G is an iPad that has 3G standards compatibility, but doesn't come with connectivity unless you buy a data package from a telecoms provider.

wifi is a connectivity that comes from a local router (small box with an ariel). To access this you'll need a password. It's possible that some train services have these small boxes on their trains and will charge you a price for the password.

bluetooth is a way for your laptop to connect to your mobile telephone. If your telephone already has a data service (can you look at the internet on your mobile phone?) then you can use bluetooth to connect your laptop to your phone and then use your phone to access the internet.

It sounds complicated, but it's not. It's just a question of getting used to it - you wouldn't confuse a bicycle with a car would you?

[Horsebox]

So does the OP have a 3G contract with 3 ("I rely on 3G network...") or not?

[Huguenot]

I don't know. :'(

I suspect that the OP was implying that they had an iPad 3G that generally access t'web through their wireless connection at home.

I'm worried that all I've done is confused the issue.

[toomanykids]

Well I'm on an east midlands train and horsy I have wifi it cost me ?4 for the journey but you can get it Cheaper if you are a frequent traveller

My orange 3G is working but loses connectivity so I Chose to pay and as you can see I'm surfing :)

[Horsebox]

And with that cleared up I can get on with some work.

Bon Voyage, toomanykids!

[toomanykids]

Haha thanks soooooo much for everyones help :)