China's high-speed trains will soon receive wi-fi
After a two year wait, a wi-fi network is finally set to be installed on the mainland's high-speed trains
Passengers on the mainland's high-speed train network will soon be able to enjoy wi-fi access on their journeys, thanks to a network built by Chinese technology company Feitian.
"[Feitian's] high-speed train wi-fi system will provide passengers with a wealth of information and entertainment applications, but it will also give the train management staff a platform for communication and supervision."
In order to implement wi-fi, Duan said that Feitian had to meet signaling requirements and ensure that access to the mainland's largest wireless communication network providers - China Mobile, China Telecom and Cina Unicom - was viable along the high-speed rail's routes.
"Feitian [has been collaborating with] Southwest Jiaotong University and the railway departments [to] test the wi-fi system for one year now," Duan said, adding that the system would be finalised and implemented at a later date after receiving official government approval.
Currently, passengers on all mainland trains are only able to access the internet via 3G and 4G networks on mobile phones, although connection may be spotty depending on the train's location and speed.