THE vital railway line connecting Glasgow and Edinburgh has often left commuters feeling disconnected from the world. Failed internet requests cause frustration and affect productivity. They stymie attempts at research and stop travellers keeping up with world events or just reading reports of last night’s football match.
There are good technical reasons for this – tunnels, embankments, and Mother Nature getting in the way. And just because we demand everything instantly nowadays doesn’t mean it can be magicked into being. However, it can come about using software developed in Asia.
International networking company Cisco has been working with ScotRail to bring this to Scotland, and the Edinburgh-Glasgow line will be used for a UK-backed trial before the system is rolled out elsewhere. For the first time, passengers will be able to use superfast broadband for a reliable connection, instead of travelling hopefully and arriving disappointed.
In recent years, lack of digital access has left commuters feeling they might as well be on an iron horse belching steam. Now they face the joyful prospect of being able to work on the train, if they so wish. Cabs and restaurant tables could be booked. A little learning might also be undertaken, as rail travel broadbands the mind. It is surely what most passengers want. Make it so, Mr Cisco.
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