Free WiFi on trains connects with IPSE

Free WiFi on trains from 2017 will “bring Britain up to speed” and help contractors and other independent workers up and down the country, the body for self-employed people has said.

In line with David Cameron, who revealed the £50m pledge, the Association of Independent Professionals and the Self-employed says people who work “on the move” will benefit.

Visiting clients by train, as contractors do, will be a more efficient experience as currently a lack of WiFi causes a “huge loss in productivity,” said the association’s Simon McVicker.

On behalf of the body, known as IPSE, he pointed out that free WiFi was included in its recently launched manifesto for freelancers, contractors and the self-employed.

The clients of one-man bands will benefit too. Indeed, according to Mr Cameron, the investment in the rail system will cover 500m journeys a year and be “vital for businesses”.

Mr McVicker said he wants to hear similar announcements in the run-up to the general election, because “in our digital economy, it's more important than ever to ensure Britain's infrastructure is fit for purpose.”

But he signalled that trains weren’t the only digital upgrade that freelancers need. In fact, IPSE wants mobile coverage on London’s underground, faster rollout of 4G and fibre optic broadband for all new housing developments.