The UK’s first, single-sign-up 4G-enabled Wi-Fi solution is launched on all First Hull Trains services – and it’s free!

Passengers benefit from enhanced, consistent Wi-Fi service and brand new access to a selection of the latest ITV programmes on board Passengers travelling with First Hull Trains will now be able to enjoy free 4G-enabled single-sign-up Wi-Fi throughout their journey and the benefits of a faster more consistent Wi-Fi service.

The latest Wi-Fi solution will improve the speed of the current on-board internet access and open up new opportunities for passengers to watch catch-up TV, browse the internet, update friends and family, and shop online as they travel.

The new service offers a one-time single sign-up (SSU) solution, which means that passengers travelling with First Hull Trains can say goodbye to the continued need to log-back in to the Wi-Fi system, when connectivity is lost.

To access the free Wi-Fi, passengers need to download the Hull Trains app at www.hulltrains.co.uk and sign up once. They will then be automatically connected to the strongest signal available throughout their journey and every subsequent time they travel with First Hull Trains.

The 4G-enabled service offers faster speeds and an enhanced and stronger connection, as well as giving passengers free automatic access to over 22,000 hotspots provided by The Cloud, including Hull Station.

Will Dunnett, Managing Director at First Hull Trains explains: “First Hull Trains is already one of only a handful of train operating companies offering free Wi-Fi. Now, we are taking our commitment to innovation and market leadership a step further by trialling the very first 4G-enabled Wi-Fi single-sign up solution to all passengers.”

The innovative trial has been developed by leading rail operator FirstGroup, the parent company of First Hull Trains, in conjunction with IT firms Icomera, CapMedia, The Cloud, Masabi and ASW. Whilst First Hull Trains passengers will be the first to benefit from the pioneering service, if the trial is successful, FirstGroup will examine ways in which the technology can be installed onto trains at its other rail companies. FirstGroup also operates First Great Western, where Wi-Fi is being progressively rolled out across the network, and First ScotRail, where the hugely successful free Wi-Fi programme is seeing more and more stations and trains added every month.

Mr Dunnett continues: “People have wanted to be able to get online when they travel for several years which is why we’ve always given all passengers free access to our on-board Wi-Fi. But with the demand and necessity growing, our passenger feedback demonstrates they require a better service so we are proud to be the first to provide 4G SSU-enabled Wi-Fi.

“The service is faster, more reliable and will give an improved experience for our passengers and that’s why we’ve made this investment ahead of every other public transport company in the UK.”

Further benefits of the ground-breaking service include access to a selection of ITV programmes. First Hull Trains has partnered with ITV to enable its passengers to access a range of programmes on the train on their smart devices, after they’ve aired on TV, irrespective of the internet connection.

Ben Halabi, Business Development Manager at ITV says: “A key part of our strategy is to make our content available to customers wherever and whenever they want it. We are delighted to be partnering with First Hull Trains to offer their customers access to a selection of ITV programmes at a steady and consistent speed, throughout their journey.”

Will Dunnett explains that the addition of this new, free, on-board service is all part of First Hull Trains aim to deliver the best possible journey experience.

Will says: “This industry-first initiative will provide all our passengers with access to a high-quality viewing experience through their smart devices. Many of our travellers are on board with us for up to two and a half hours and this new service means they can still access and enjoy selected episodes of popular soaps, dramas and programmes while they travel. And it’s free!”

Hull Trains: www.hulltrains.co.uk