Murjax wrote:
I disagree that the lack of WiFi is really hurting ridership. Not everyone brings their laptops with them. In fact more people are probably on their phones if anything. That said though, WiFi probably helps increase ridership when it's available. Everyone loves free internet, even if they are already do have data plans on their phones.
That statement Id have to disagree with you on Murjax, first I cant think of anyone who does not own a pretty current laptop not bringing it with them on any type of trip unless a computer will be provided for them at there destination. Also as other members on this forum have pointed the Internet is here to stay! Maybe NO Wi-fi is not hurting Amtrak ridership today in a large way but in the soon to be future it will. 1+ Year ago or so a similar topic was started on railroad.net and I posed a link to a site broadbandreports, as an article was posed on the seemingly necessity of the Internet. It also had data collects from over millions of households on what goods and leisure items would people cut due to the economic crisis our country is in, and almost last on the list of things people would cut would be there Internet. The Data showed households would cut there cellular phone packages, satellite or cable TV, fast food habits, and night out entertainment before they would ever get rid of or even conceder lowering there broadband usage. The ISPs have taken note of this, as now you will notice most ISP want to CAP your broadband usage, under the ruse that there networks cant handle all the traffic the Internet is generating. There is virtually no Unlimited cellular data packages anymore. If you noticed in the last year all the major cell phone companies have caped or began to throttle there cellular broadband access, thought they still flaunt the word "unlimited" all over there ads. 3G and 4G speeds but if you go over 5 gigs your cut off or throttled to 56-256kbps or face huge overage costs. So even those with Internet access on there smartphones or a usb broadband stick will greatly appreciate the option to surf the web via WI-FI on Amtraks dime.
Afiggatt.. I agree with you Amtrak should have been on the WI-FI bandwagon years ago, once VIA rail in Canada started offering the service years ago on there corridor trains it really made Amtraks NEC look bad. Darn Canucks embraced WI-FI on trains before we did...SAD. Time for Amtrak to learn from there mistake I just hope they acquire next generation technology ( the new hi-speed satellite soon to be deployed, or a LTE connection) when they roll out there system wide WI-fi and not current track-side or cellular 3G broadband.
Mr Norman... I do remember those post you made on whats the point of WI-FI on Amtrak, its not necessary as you use to comment. However Im glad to see a a man with the many years of wisdom you posses, has now embraced the digital revolution on hand and the reality that this bubble will not burst, ether jump on board or prepare yourself to be left behind is exactly whats happening. Im a MCES and the things I've seen @ CES shows and other computer conferences ( not @ liberty to say) that will be released in the next few years, literally blows 2010/11 technology out of the water. A reliable hi-speed broadband access is key to all that will be unleashed.
goodnight.j.w and R36... the cafe care may not be a strong selling point, lol. However agreed with Hi55us the allure to be able to stretch out and prop my HP super heated under sided, quad core (I7), laptop on a stable table is quite appealing.
My only concern currently with Amtrak finally rolling out WIFI is what technology do they plan to use corridor(s) and nationwide? Hopefully someone got the memo to hire a A+ tech team that will look beyond todays tech products. As technology literally moves at the speed of light I'd hate to see Amtrak again be left in the dust by rolling out last generation technology in A next generation world.