Japan’s Shinkansen to offer free Wi-Fi services by next year. Credit: Rsa.

Japan Railways Group is set to provide free Wi-Fi services across its bullet train network by next year.

All 108 bullet train stations on the network will be equipped with Wi-Fi services by this year, while installation of Wi-Fi systems on most of the rolling stock will be completed by April 2020.

Go deeper with GlobalData

Premium Insights

The gold standard of business intelligence.

Find out more

Related Company Profiles

View all

The move is part of Japan’s preparations to host the Summer Olympics, scheduled from 24 July to 9 August 2020 in Tokyo.

The plan also includes offering free Wi-Fi services to tourists travelling on the Tokyo Metro during the Olympics.

“The move is part of Japan’s preparations to host the Summer Olympics, scheduled from 24 July to 9 August 2020 in Tokyo.”

Additionally, the move is expected to help mitigate internet connectivity issues onboard and improve passenger experience.

Since last year, Japan Railways Group (JR Group) members West Japan Railway and Kyushu Railway have started offering free Wi-Fi on bullet trains. Around 30% of cars on Central Japan Railway, another company group member, provide free internet.

How well do you really know your competitors?

Access the most comprehensive Company Profiles on the market, powered by GlobalData. Save hours of research. Gain competitive edge.

Company Profile – free sample

Thank you!

Your download email will arrive shortly

Not ready to buy yet? Download a free sample

We are confident about the unique quality of our Company Profiles. However, we want you to make the most beneficial decision for your business, so we offer a free sample that you can download by submitting the below form

By GlobalData
Visit our Privacy Policy for more information about our services, how we may use, process and share your personal data, including information of your rights in respect of your personal data and how you can unsubscribe from future marketing communications. Our services are intended for corporate subscribers and you warrant that the email address submitted is your corporate email address.

The three rail operators are scheduled to provide free Wi-Fi on all bullet trains by March 2020.

East Japan Railway, the largest company of the JR Group, also started deploying Wi-Fi systems from last year fiscal. It is due to be completed in fiscal 2020.

The passengers on the bullet train network, locally known as Shinkansen, can access the internet by registering themselves through email or their social network profile.

Since the commencement of services in 1964, the Shinkansen network has expanded from 515.4km to 2,764.6km across the country.