Internet On Ice: Austria's Unique Online Experience

Austria has a highly developed and efficient telecommunications network, including internet and telephone services. The country ranks 10th among 27 European Union countries in the 2022 Digital Economy and Society Index (DESI) report. There is a wide range of ISPs (Internet Service Providers) in the Austrian market, and it is quite easy to get an internet connection. Dial-up is the easiest connection to acquire, but it is also the slowest. High-speed internet access, such as DSL, is available and has become more affordable in recent years. Free wifi is available on long-distance trains in Austria, including on board all ICE trains.

Free wifi is available on ICE trains in Austria

The wifi speed may be lower than what you're used to at home, as it depends on the connection between the trains and mobile networks, as well as the number of passengers using the wifi. To improve the online experience for yourself and your fellow passengers, refrain from bandwidth-intensive applications, such as app updates, downloads, and streaming high-definition films.

The new connectivity radar service in the ICE Portal will help you plan your time on the train. It shows the quality of the internet connection on the upcoming section of the route, with statuses such as "Fast internet", "Slow internet", "Changeable internet", "No internet", and "No information".

In addition to Austria, free wifi is available on ICE trains in Germany, France, Belgium, the Netherlands, and Switzerland.

The wifi network on ICE trains is public, similar to hotel or cafe systems

The wifi network on ICE trains is public, similar to the systems used in hotels or cafes. As with any public network, it is impossible to completely protect communication from interception. However, the wifi system on ICE trains includes a range of security features that make data transfer safer than similar wifi networks in cafes and other public places. One such feature is client isolation, which prevents one device from accessing data on another device within the same network.

To ensure secure data transmission, it is recommended that passengers use a VPN connection and only access https pages. The wifi network on ICE trains is provided by using multiprovider technology that utilises all the mobile networks available on the railway lines in parallel to connect to the internet. This allows passengers to stay connected even when travelling at speeds of up to 300 km/h. The wifi is available throughout the train and there is no time limit on usage.

The wifi network on ICE trains is designed to provide a reliable connection for both work and entertainment purposes. In first class, passengers can set up VPN connections, perform online research, send large email attachments, and enjoy short videos and music streaming. Second-class passengers can surf the web, send emails, and chat for free, with the added option of VPN connections.

The wifi network on ICE trains is accessible by enabling wifi on your device and selecting the "WIFIonICE" network. A login page will then appear, where users must accept the general terms and conditions to connect. This process is similar to connecting to wifi in hotels or cafes, making it convenient and familiar for users.

To connect to the wifi, select the WIFIonICE network

To connect to the WIFIonICE network, first, enable wifi on your device. Then, select the "WIFIonICE" network from the available wifi networks. A login page should appear automatically. If it doesn't, type "LogIn.WIFIonICE.de" into your browser and press enter. Once the login page appears, accept the general terms and conditions and click the red button.

The WIFIonICE network is available in both first and second class. There is no time limit on wifi usage, and you can connect as many devices as you like. However, the wifi speed may be slower than you are used to, and it may vary depending on the number of connected devices and the train's connection to mobile networks.

The wifi speed depends on the connection to mobile networks and the number of passengers online

The wifi speed on the ICE train network depends on a few factors. Firstly, the connection to mobile networks—the speed can vary depending on the number of mobile networks that the system can access along the route. The speed is also influenced by the number of passengers online simultaneously. The more passengers using the wifi, the slower the speed is likely to be.

The wifi speed can also be impacted by the technology of the device being used. For example, older devices may not be able to access the fastest speeds available. Additionally, the speed may be lower than what you are used to at home, as the connection is coming from a moving train.

To improve the online experience for all passengers, it is recommended to refrain from bandwidth-intensive applications such as app updates, downloads, high-definition films, and operating system updates.

The new connectivity radar service in the ICE Portal can help passengers manage their expectations and plan their time on the train. It shows the quality of the internet connection on the next section of the route, with statuses such as "Fast internet", "Slow internet", "Changeable internet", "No internet", and "No information".

There is no time limit on free wifi use throughout the journey

When travelling on an ICE train in Austria, passengers can enjoy unlimited free wifi throughout their journey. This means that there is no time limit on your internet usage, so you can stay connected for the entire duration of your trip. This service is available on all ICE trains, as well as some IC trains and selected regional trains.

To access the wifi, simply enable wifi on your device and select the "WIFIonICE" network. A login page will then appear, where you will need to accept the terms and conditions. The wifi is available in both first and second class, and you can use it with multiple devices simultaneously.

The wifi speed may vary depending on several factors, such as the connection between the train and mobile networks, the number of connected passengers, and the technology of your device. It is recommended to refrain from bandwidth-intensive activities to improve the online experience for yourself and other passengers.

Additionally, the new connectivity radar service in the ICE Portal will help you stay informed about the quality of the internet connection ahead. It provides information about the expected connection status on the next section of your route, such as "Fast internet", "Slow internet", or "No internet". This feature allows you to plan your time on the train accordingly.

Frequently asked questions