Amtrak Launches Wireless Internet Access From Trains

from the surf-while-you-chug-along dept

Back in January we posted a story about how Yahoo was going to help Amtrak set up trains with wireless modems and iPaqs. Today, Amtrak announced that one of their trainlines is now offering wireless internet via seatback touch screens. It's unclear if this is the same thing that was discussed back in January, since there's no mention anywhere of Yahoo, and this doesn't involve iPaqs. In fact, it's unclear if passengers with laptops can use the system, or if it's limited to these touch screens. The system will also let people pick from a list of movies or TV they would like to watch. It's also advertiser supported, so there aren't any $2/minute connection fees that you would probably expect (and which, I'm sure the airlines would try to impose if they ever got around to offering a similar service). They may also include some location specific advice, so as the train pulls into New York, people see banner ads for local restaurants.

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