19.06.07
St Pancras set to go wireless
Cityspace, the UK-based leading provider of urban digital networks, has announced that it has been awarded the contract by London & Continental Railways (LCR) to install and manage a wireless broadband network in the newly refurbished St Pancras International.
The showcase project will see two floors of the £800m redeveloped St Pancras International flooded with Wi-Fi, enabling the 45 million people expected to travel through the new international terminus every year to enjoy high speed connectivity as well as a range of useful travel and information services on their mobile devices.
The first of its kind anywhere in Europe, the St Pancras International wireless network aims to provide users with free connection to journey planning and related useful information whilst offering fast and secure access to the internet at the going market rate.
Duncan Ross, Station Project Manager at St Pancras International is keen to promote the service as part of the wider ‘meet me at St Pancras’ theme running throughout the re-development: “Ubiquitous high speed connectivity throughout St Pancras International will make communication and information an integral part of the experience and help to position the station as a world-class destination.”
Integrating modern design with its magnificent Victorian architecture, the St Pancras International hospitality will offer destination information, refreshments, along with everything passengers could need to prepare for the onward journey.
“The digital service presents more than just a connection network,” comments Cityspace Wireless Director, Ian Muller. “We see it as underpinning the uniquely social theme of St Pancras; enabling people to linger longer, to sip and surf in style at its flagship champagne bar, restaurants, gastro pub and brasseries whilst keeping abreast of travel news in the Eurostar lounges and across concourses for passengers on the move.
“Cityspace is focused on transforming the passenger experience through real-time information delivered at the point of need. With St Pancras International , we aim to do just that whilst making the service totally integrated into the lifestyle feel of one of Europe’s busiest passenger hubs.”
The St Pancras International Wi-Fi network is estimated to cover approximately 2km² using up to 30 BelAir 100s nodes over two floors offering 24x7 high-speed connectivity.
When the first Eurostar pulls into St Pancras International on 14th November 2007, it will mark a culmination of a project some 10 years in the making. St Pancras International will not be just the key destination for Eurostar and high speed rail in the UK, but a truly prestigious hospitality and retail attraction in itself for visitors and passengers alike.
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