Here is the letter that Tom Coady wrote.

Wifi

Your predecessor offered wifi. Why not you too?

Thank you for your reply. I agree that a poor service is potentially worse than none at all, but I disagree with your conclusions regarding the viability of decent provision, and challenges you suggest that are unique to this route.

I think you will find the answer lies in so called 'leaky feeder' technology which is a proven solution to providing signals in long tunnels or corridors.

It would appear Southern have a policy of providing a single answer to any complaint, and however inadequate that answer might be, of refusing to enter in to any further dialogue on the subject. It is with some regret that I feel the only option is to give up at this point as I appear to be having a conversation with the proverbial brick wall.

Tom,
Your message posted here at 09:29 on 4th October was only put on this webpage and was not sent to Southern so it is unlikely they saw it. If you want to contact them again you will need to click on the Blue 'Reply to this message by email' at the end of their reply at 08:53 on 4th October.
I hope this helps.
Paul (FixMyTransport Volunteer)

Thank you for your reply. I agree that a poor service is potentially worse than none at all, but I disagree with your conclusions regarding the viability of decent provision, and challenges you suggest that are unique to this route.

I think you will find the answer lies in so called 'leaky feeder' technology which is a proven solution to providing signals in long tunnels or corridors.

best wishes, Tom
-----Original Message-----

Dear Mr Coady

Thank you for your email.

There are no current plans to introduce this facility on our
services. Southern has piloted Wi-Fi internet access in the past
on some of our mainline trains; however our network has long
tunnels and deep cuttings which made the signal extremely
unreliable causing arguably more frustration to than not having
a facility in the first place. We are aware that some of our
customers would value Wi-Fi access but in a survey which
Southern carried out; it was not identified as a key priority.
In conclusion there are no plans to fit Wi-Fi facilities on our
trains in the present franchise.

If you wish to contact us further regarding your query, please
contact our Customer Service team directly at
[1][Southern problem reporting email], by phone on 08451 27 29 20 or
in writing to:
Southern Customer Services
PO Box 3021
Bristol
BS2 2BS
quoting ticket number [66591-1348566347] on all communication.

For the latest travel information, why not follow us on Twitter
@southernrailUK and @GatwickExpress

Kind regards

Timothy Fife-Schaw
Southern Customer Services

Your message :

Dear Southern,

Your predecessor offered wifi. Why not you too?

------------------

Here is some information from FixMyTransport about the location
of
this issue:

Location name: Train route between Brighton and London Victoria

----------

To view a map of the precise location of this problem, or to
provide an update on the problem, please visit the following
link:

http://www.fixmytransport.com/campaigns/2333

[ PLEASE NOTE: Your replies to this problem report will be sent
to
Tom Coady and will be published online. This message was sent
via
FixMyTransport.com - a not-for-profit service dedicated to
helping
people get public transport problems resolved. If there is a
more
appropriate email address for messages about this type of
problem,
please let us know by visiting
. This will help improve
the service for people travelling. We also welcome any other
feedback you may have. ]

_________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

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Registered office: 3rd Floor, 41-51 Grey Street, Newcastle Upon
Tyne, NE1 6EE

This email is sent subject to our email disclaimer which can be
accessed here http://www.southernrailway.com/emaildisclaimer

Southern is the trading name of Southern Railway Ltd.
Registered in England under number: 06574965
Registered offices: 3rd Floor, 41-51 Grey Street, Newcastle upon
Tyne, NE1 6EE.

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References

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Thanks Paul
I have replied to Southern now.

Firstly, if @southernrailUK considers it acceptable to answer @fixmytransport with form letters that completely ignore the matter raised, why does it take so long for their machine to react.

Secondly I am concerned that @southernrailUK is seeking to continue this dialogue outside the auspices of @fixmytransport by inviting various options for direct contact.

Not only does this undermine the existence of @fixmytransport but fails to recognise the reason issues are raised via this channel.
-----Original Message-----

Dear Mr Coady

Thank you for your email dated 07 November 2012.  Please accept
my apologies for the delay in our response.

We aim to provide excellent service at all times and your
feedback is greatly appreciated.  I have passed on your comments
to the relevant team and I hope that your feedback will go a
long way in helping us to make improvements.

If you wish to contact us further regarding your query, please
contact our Customer Service team directly at
[1][Southern problem reporting email], by phone on 08451 27 29 20 or
in writing to:
Southern Customer Services
PO Box 3021
Bristol
BS2 2BS
quoting ticket number [66591-1348566347] on all communication.

For the latest travel information, why not follow us on Twitter
@southernrailUK and @GatwickExpress

Kind regards

Kerry Devonald
Southern Customer Services

Your message :

Thank you for your reply. I agree that a poor service is
potentially worse than none at all, but I disagree with your
conclusions regarding the viability of decent provision, and
challenges you suggest that are unique to this route.

I think you will find the answer lies in so called 'leaky
feeder' technology which is a proven solution to providing
signals in long tunnels or corridors.

best wishes, Tom