Virgin Trains' free hotspots for first class travellers

Something to do until the train appears...

First class travellers on Virgin trains now get free use of Wi-Fi hotspots as they wait for their trains - for the next six months.

Broadreach Networks is offering free hotspots in five Virgin first class lounges and plans to add 16 more later this year.

A statement announcing the service says: "The new service will allow passengers to make the best use of any time spent waiting for a train."

BT Openzone has been rolling out its own series of hotspots across the country since the beginning of the year.

After the six-month introductory offer, Broadreach will charge a not-yet-determined fee, probably about £100, for a six-month subscription.

A Broadreach spokesman said: "We are trialling an on-train service with Virgin now but it is not likely to be introduced in the next twelve months."

Stations currently covered are: London Euston, Birmingham New Street, Coventry, Stoke-on-Trent and Manchester Piccadilly.