Home > News Archive > High Speed Connection For Paris Train

Those using the mode of transport to visit the French capital will be able to take advantage of a new wifi service, which will be available from early 2013.

The high-speed rail operator's fleet is set to be given a £700 million overhaul and refurbishment.

Head of commercial development at Eurostar, Reuben Arnold, told Business Traveller: 'All of the trains in the whole fleet will have wifi - we are stripping them right down for the refurbishment and business passengers have been asking for wifi for a while.'

September is the month in which the refurbishments are expected, and it is expected the new-look vehicles will be rolled-out progressively from the start of next year.

Nomad Digital will provide the Wifi, and Eurostar said the new technology will let its passengers 'enjoy a high speed connection to the internet at all times throughout their journey, a seamless switchover at international borders and connectivity wherever the customer is seated and whenever it is required'.

The 27 trains which are currently in use will be refurbished and redesigned, while in 2014, there will be a roll-out of ten new E320 trains.

And there is no messing about with the interior design, as Italian company Pininfarina, who has worked with Ferrari, will create the Eurostar's interiors.

Not only will there be internet access, but there will be an 'infotainment' system in the new design.

Arnold said: 'Passengers can access the internet but also information and video clips about destinations and the train.'

There will be no screens for the infotainment system - passengers must use their own devices, connect to the wifi and download the content they wish to watch via a portal.

'It will allow customers to stream content to their own devices - laptops, iPads, iPods, smart phones,' Arnold said.

In the first instance, films will not be available as feedback from passengers raised the point that the length of the journey was not long enough.

However, Arnold said: 'Movies is certainly not something that we have ruled out - particularly for longer journeys.'

Recently, Eurostar revamped its security and check-in areas at Paris Gare du Nord, while there is also a fresh look expected for its Brussels Midi lounge.

By Natalie Thomas