The government has unveiled a plan to equip every train in the UK with free wi-fi by 2025. The announcement, made by the Transport Secretary this morning, promises to 'transform the commuting experience' and end the 'digital dark ages' on Britain's railways. Sources close to the Department for Transport claim the deal with a major telecoms provider will cost taxpayers £1.
2 billion over five years. But who stands to profit? The contractor, a subsidiary of a multinational with a history of dodging tax, has not been named.
Documents uncovered by this paper show the same company was fined £50 million last year for failing to deliver broadband to rural schools. 'Commuters deserve better,' says a rail union spokesperson, 'but this smells like another backroom deal where the public pays and privateers pocket the cash.' The installation will begin on the Southeastern network, notorious for delays and overcrowding.
Critics ask: will this fix the actual problems? Or is it just a shiny distraction from crumbling infrastructure? The National Audit Office has already raised concerns about cost overruns.
'We've heard it all before,' says a veteran commuter from London Bridge. 'They'll promise the world, and we'll still be staring at a blank screen in a broken carriage.' This paper will be watching the money trail.
