U.K. trains to get Wi-Fi en route

Want wireless on the train? You can have it (as long as live in the U.K.)

Virgin Trains has named Nomad Digital as its Wi-Fi provider on high-speed trains, beginning in 2007. Wireless base stations will be installed trackside, with radios operating every few miles and providing a seamless WiMAX-based network.

The system will commence on West Coast Main Line routes, but such functionality is likely to spread, and quickly. Soon, you’ll be able to have a VoIP call or an IM session from one station to the next without every dropping connection.