St Austell and Newquay MP Stephen Gilbert is calling for free Wi-Fi internet connection on Great Western Mainline trains as part of the future of the franchise.
Broadband wireless internet is already being trialled by First Great Western, the current holders of the franchise, on five trains between London Paddington and the North Cotswolds.
Now Mr Gilbert wants to see the provision rolled out across the network allowing counties such as Cornwall to benefit.
He has fired off a letter to the transport minister Patrick McLoughlin, urging Wi-Fi to be required when the new franchise is agreed.
At the moment most First Great Western trains do not have free Wi-Fi services, preventing commuters from keeping in contact with their places of work, especially during longer journeys like those between Cornwall and London.
The MP says free Wi-Fi on trains could boost business links in Cornwall because travelling times would be more productive and benefit the Cornish tourism industry.
He said: "Internet access is provided on many forms of transport nowadays and having it on one of the main links between Cornwall and the rest of the country is vital if we are to remain competitive.
"So much of what we do relies on the internet whether it's work emails, social media and online shopping – Wi-Fi on our trains would simply make journeys more comfortable for those visiting businesses, beaches or family."
