Latest news with #WiFi-connected


Metro
25-06-2025
- Business
- Metro
End of dodgy phone signal on trains with major fibre optic boost for rail
'Sorry, I'm on a train at the moment so the call might just cut out.' It's a familiar start to a phone conversation for rail passengers up and down the UK. But a massive upgrade to connectivity on British tracks announced today could spell the end of awkward chats that ultimately need to wait until you've reached your destination. Transport Secretary Heidi Alexander told Metro the move would 'bring the experience of rail travel in the UK into the 21st century'. She said: 'I think we've all been there, haven't we? It's so frustrating to be sat on a train with your phone or your iPad, dropping out every time you go through a tunnel, or one of those railway cuttings. 'And I think we need to get on and tackle this problem with mobile connectivity, black spots on the trains.' The plans will mean ultra-fast fibre optic cable is deployed across 1,000km of the East Coast Main Line, parts of the West Coast Main Line and the Great Western Main Line. Ultimately, that network could stretch across 5,000km of railway, according to the Department for Transport. A total of 57 tunnels will also get access to signal, including the 4km Chipping Sodbury tunnel near Bristol. Provider Freshwave will be behind improvements to mobile signal on the railway and 4G and 5G connectivity in stations as well as in tunnels, while Neos Networks will be responsible for the fibre optic cable rollout. Alexander said: 'One of the things that people talk to me about a lot is that decent mobile connectivity on the train, if they're working, would massively improve their productivity, and would clearly be good for the economy. 'But it also improves leisure experience, doesn't it? If families are having days out, kids are watching favorite TV shows or whatever on their phone, it improves the experience all round.' The rollout is currently expected to begin next year and be completed by 2028. Alexander's announcement comes days after another boost for notoriously terribly train WiFi was included in the government's industrial strategy plans. They included a pledge of £41 million towards introducing low-earth-orbit satellite connectivity for all mainline trains, which would 'significantly improve both the availability and internet connection speeds for WiFi-connected passengers'. The Transport Secretary also recently revealed the massively over-budget HS2 rail project would be delayed yet again, with the first trains now not expected to run until after 2033. More Trending She said the same would not happen again for the big infrastructure changes she has announced. Alexander said: 'I think the lesson that we've learned from HS2 is that you need to have good people working in the organisation that is letting the contract, to start off with the appropriate skills, the appropriate technical understanding, commercial acumen. 'And I think that what we've got in Network Rail to manage this project, and we'll constantly keep it under review, is the right step for people to ensure that over the next couple of years we can get this first phase properly rolled out, and people can start to enjoy better quality journeys.' Get in touch with our news team by emailing us at webnews@ For more stories like this, check our news page. MORE: One of London Underground's top lines is running vintage 1930s trains this summer MORE: 'Ambitious' new sleeper train will connect 100 European cities — with private rooms from £67 MORE: New train to span 745 miles linking five European countries — and tickets are £40


Wales Online
24-05-2025
- Business
- Wales Online
Big deals to be had right now on some of the most popular air fryers on Amazon
Big deals to be had right now on some of the most popular air fryers on Amazon Big or small, air fryers have fast become a staple in the kitchen Air fyers have soared in popularity in recent years In just a few short years, air fryers have gone from trendy kitchen gadgets to must-have appliances found in millions of homes. Touted as a healthier alternative to deep frying, these compact convection ovens promise golden, crispy results at a fraction of the cost of using your oven. But the appeal of air fryers extends far beyond guilt-free fries. With their ability to roast, bake, reheat, and even dehydrate, air fryers have become the Swiss Army knife of modern kitchens. Right now, COSORI is offering big deals on its range of air fryers and pressure cookers... COSORI TwinFry Dual Blaze 10L Air Fryer – NOW £199.99 with £50 discount from RRP £249.99 Boasting a 10-liter capacity, the TwinFry has a dual-chamber design, featuring a removable separator, allowing for simultaneous cooking of main courses and side dishes. It's a multifunctional kitchen companion, with six versatile cooking functions - Bake, Air Fry, Roast, Dry, Grill, and Reheat. The TwinFry is WiFi-connected, enabling smart cooking control from a distance. Paired with the COSORI app, users gain access to 70 exclusive online recipes crafted by professionals. COSORI Air Fryer TurboBlaze - NOW £99.99 with 23% saving from RRP £129.99 The 6L Turbo Blaze Air Fryer can be used for air frying, baking, roasting, dehydrating, defrosting, reheating, proofing and keeping food warm. Key features include a dynamic DC motor that powers quicker cooking, precise speed control and energy efficiency, and Easy Cleaning w ith a dishwasher-safe basket and crisper plate. COSORI Air Fryer 4.7L - NOW £69.99 with 30% saving from RRP £99.99 The air fryer has rapid heat circulation technology, max 230C, and 50% faster cooking, consuming less electricity. The removable and non-stick basket, is easy to clean and can be washed by hand or in the dishwasher. Chicken, Fries, Frozen, Steak, Seafood, Veggies, Reheat and Shake; You can choose one-touch cooking or customize the time and temperature precisely according to the cookbook. COSORI Pressure Cooker - NOW £84.99 with 15% saving from RRP £99.99 Slow cooker, rice cooker, sous vide, cake, yogurt, steamer, and more. With 14 customizable smart programs, cooking becomes a breeze. The LED display keeps you informed about the cooking progress. Pressure cook meals up to 70% faster than traditional cooking methods or use as a slow cooker for stews and soups. COSORI Rice Cooker - NOW £89.99 with 25% saving from RRP £119.99 Article continues below Powered by Fuzzy Logic technology, the COSORI rice cooker auto-precisely controls the temperature throughout the 7-step cooking process for white rice, sushi rice, and brown rice. Not only two types of rice and brown rice, plus three types of grains, you can also use this rice cooker as a multi-cooker to steam vegetables, slow cook meat or beans, make cake, sauté flavored rice, soup, jam/sauce, and porridge. Also suitable for Japanese rice/gohan recipe, sausage and fennel risotto, vegetarian mushroom risotto, rice salad boxes. You can find other deals here